The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Robert E. Mowrer (ASN: RA-15358399), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of 2d Reconnaissance Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 14 February 1951, in the vicinity of Chaum-ni, Korea. In conjunction with Company L, 9th Infantry Regiment, the 2d Reconnaissance Company established a perimeter around the town. The perimeter was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. At the time of the attack, Sergeant Mowrer was in charge of fire direction for an 81-mm. mortar squad. With rapid accurate fire, he and his squad inflicted heavy casualties and repulsed the enemy attacks. He continued to direct the fire of his squad while exposed to enemy fire. He continued this action although wounded in the back, until the ammunition was exhausted. When orders were received to withdraw, he volunteered to stay with the rear guard, although he had been wounded again in the eye and the arm. He delivered heavy and accurate rifle and grenade fire with great effect. During this rear guard action, he exposed himself repeatedly to enemy machine gun and rifle fire. Although wounded himself, he carried a wounded comrade to the jeep and gave up his place in the vehicle to the wounded comrade. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Mowrer reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.