(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Charles Fred Gowder (ASN: 0-754335), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 546th Bombardment Squadron, 381st Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 24 April 1944, against enemy ground targets at Oberpfaffenhoen, Germany. As a result of repeated attacks by large numbers of German fighters before, and during, the bombing run, Second Lieutenant Gowder was wounded, the navigator was killed, the bombardier was wounded, and his B-17 sustained heavy damage. Despite his wounds and the difficulty of flying the damaged bomber, Second Lieutenant Gowder continued in formation, directed the actions of his remaining crew members, and released the bomb load on the target using the emergency release. Due to a lack of oxygen, Second Lieutenant Gowder was forced to fly at a low altitude after leaving the target area. Although the B-17 received further attacks by enemy fighters, he was able to land at safely in England. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Gowder on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.