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Mower, Charles E.

Date of birth:
November 29th, 1924 (Chippewa Falls/Wisconsin, United States)
Date of death:
November 3rd, 1944 (near Capoocan/province of Leyte, Philippines)
Buried on:
American Cemetery and Memorial Manila
Plot: L. Row: 2. Grave: 110.
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit:
Company A, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division "Victory Division", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
February 11th, 1946
Citation:
"He was an assistant squad leader in an attack against strongly defended enemy positions on both sides of a stream running through a wooded gulch. As the squad advanced through concentrated fire, the leader was killed and Sgt. Mower assumed command. In order to bring direct fire upon the enemy, he had started to lead his men across the stream, which by this time was churned by machinegun and rifle fire, but he was severely wounded before reaching the opposite bank. After signaling his unit to halt, he realized his own exposed position was the most advantageous point from which to direct the attack, and stood fast. Half submerged, gravely wounded, but refusing to seek shelter or accept aid of any kind, he continued to shout and signal to his squad as he directed it in the destruction of 2 enemy machineguns and numerous riflemen. Discovering that the intrepid man in the stream was largely responsible for the successful action being taken against them, the remaining Japanese concentrated the full force of their firepower upon him, and he was killed while still urging his men on. Sgt. Mower's gallant initiative and heroic determination aided materially in the successful completion of his squad's mission. His magnificent leadership was an inspiration to those with whom he served."

General Orders No. 17, dated February 11th, 1946.
Awarded posthumously.
Place and date action: Near Capoocan, Leyte. Philippine Islands, 3 November 1944.
Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)

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