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 Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Field Artillery), [then Lieutenant Colonel] Halstead Clotworthy Fowler (ASN: 0-12686), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces while serving as Commanding Officer, 71st Field Artillery Regiment, 71st Division, Philippine Army, on 24 December 1941, at the Agno River, Luzon, Philippine Islands. While serving as commander of a unit designated to cover the withdrawal of troops, Colonel Fowler, sensing impending panic and disorder among the withdrawing troops which would have resulted in the annihilation by an enemy force overwhelmingly superior in number, without regard for his personal safety, fearlessly exposed himself to oncoming vehicles propelled by armed, fear-crazed drivers and, under intense enemy fire succeeded in reorganizing the troops into orderly fighting groups, thus permitting the successful completion of the mission. The exemplary heroism displayed by Colonel Fowler in the face of enemy fire and his constant, fearless leadership under adverse conditions reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.