On November 29, 1924, Charles E. Mower was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. During World War II, Mower rose to the rank of sergeant in the 24th Infantry Division, US Army. During the Battle of Leyte (part of the American campaign to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation), Mower assumed command of his squad following the death of his squad leader during an assault on Japanese positions near Capoocan. Mower was wounded while leading his squad across a stream; however, he continued to direct the assault from his exposed position in the stream, enabling the success of attack. Though the attack was successful, Sgt. Mower was killed in action. Mower was buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the city of Taguig, the Philippines. For his actions Sgt. Charles E. Mower was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Furthermore, the troop transport ship USAT Sgt. Charles E. Mower was named in his honor. The following is Sgt. Mower's Medal of Honor 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.
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5 years, 1 month ago
30 Nov 2019 03:33 CET
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