Charles E. Mower-Manila, Philippines
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Don.Morfe
N 14° 32.364 E 121° 03.114
51P E 290087 N 1608278
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action near Capoocan, Leyte, Philippine Islands on November 3, 1944. He was KIA. He is buried in Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines in Plot L, Row 2, Grave 110.
Waymark Code: WM1170K
Location: Philippines
Date Posted: 08/28/2019
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member NW_history_buff
Views: 4

He was born on November 29, 1924 in Chippewa Falls, WI and he was killed in action on November 3, 1944 in the Philippines. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: CHARLES E. MOWER
Rank: Sergeant
Organization: U.S. Army
Company: Company A
Division: 34th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division
Born: Chippewa Falls, Wis.
Departed: Yes
Entered Service At: Chippewa Falls, Wis.
G.O. Number: 17
Date of Issue: 02/11/1946
Accredited To:
Place / Date: Near Capoocan, Leyte. Philippine Islands, 3 November 1944

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.

Photo by M C and posted on findagrave.com

*SPECIAL EXCEPTION WAYMARK* This category made the decision to approve this waymark based on the research and partnerships between the submitter, Don.Morfe, and individuals who gave permission for their photos of Medal of Honor resting places to be used in this community. Although the vision and philosophy of the Waymarking body is to promote in-person visits and photo documentation, special circumstances can be made on a case-by-case basis such as this submission. We appreciate the fact that Don.Morfe spent over 20 years visiting more than 2,900 Medal of Honor resting places and has documented them in this category with personal photos the past 18 months. He recently took it upon himself to document many more Medal of Honor resting places around the world that he could not visit in person. He reached out to individuals on FindaGrave.com and elsewhere and received permission to use their photos, created write-ups and submitted them here for approval. A compromise was made to allow his submissions here in order to gain a sense of appreciation to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Thank you, Don, for your tireless efforts and contributions to this category and to the Waymarking community!

Armed Service: Army

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