The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Lowell L. Ditmer (ASN: 35117353), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. On 4 May 1945, at Mount Pacawagan, when the advance of a rifle company was halted by a series of enemy pillboxes, containing light and heavy machine guns, Sergeant Ditmer courageously moved to an advanced position and directed mortar and machine gun fire on the hostile positions, which caused the Japanese to withdraw. Then, sensing the enemy’s confusion, he stood up in full view of the Japanese and personally killed five enemy soldiers with hand grenades and rifle fire. Sergeant Ditmer’s aggressive action and accurate direction of mortar and machine gun fire enabled his unit to successfully accomplish its mission with minimum casualties. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.