Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant (Second-lieutenant)

Unit:

1st Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division "The Spearhead", U.S. Marine Corps (1st Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division "The Spearhead", U.S. Marine Corps)

For heroic service as Quartermaster Officer, attached to the First Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, at Iwo Jima, Vulcano Islands, on 20 February 1945. With transportation extremely hazardous and the need for supplies growing urgent, Second Lieutenant Towers unhesitatingly exposed himself to constant enemy fire by leaping aboard the bow of a fully laden cargo carrier stalled on the beach due to the lack of direction. Successfully guiding the carrier through wreckage and debris to the front lines, he was giving final directions to the driver when fatally struck by hostile machine-gun fire. Second Lieutenant Towers' splendid initiative and extreme courage in the face of greater danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Awarded posthumously.