b. 29/11/1924 Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. d. 03/11/1944 Leyte, Philippines.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 03/11/1944 near Capoocan, Leyte, Philippines.
Charles E Mower MOH
Mower joined the Army from his birth city of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and by November 3, 1944, was serving as a Sergeant in Company A, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division during the Battle of Leyte. During an attack against Japanese positions that day, near Capoocan, Leyte, in the Philippines, Mower took command of his squad after the leader was killed and led his men from an exposed position despite being seriously wounded. He was killed during the battle and, on February 11, 1946, posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
MOH CITATION:
He was 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 machine-gun 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 two enemy machine guns 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.
BURIAL LOCATION: ABMC MANILA AMERICAN CEMETERY, MANILA, PHILIPPINES.
SECTION L, ROW 2, GRAVE 110.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
