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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles E. Lower (ASN: 0-1313909), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the ****, France, on 29 September 1944. While moving forward to support the attack of another unit, Lieutenant Lower’s platoon was ambushed by the enemy and subjected to small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire which caused confusion among members of his platoon, most of whom were new to combat. Displaying a high order of personal bravery, Lieutenant Lower rallied his troops, reorganized them under fire, then led a squad in a frontal attack against the enemy position. When the attack was halted by intense machine gun fire, he deployed the squad to provide covering fire, then led another squad in a flanking attack so skillfully executed that the enemy position was destroyed with hand grenades and rifle fire. Lieutenant Lower’s intrepidity and outstanding leadership reflect credit upon his character as an officer and leader of men.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1944
    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 57 (December 18, 1944)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles E. Lower (ASN: 0-1313909), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 8 November 1944. When the leaders of two other platoons were wounded, Lieutenant Lower, upon his own initiative, assumed command of the two leaderless platoons, in addition to his own, and exposing himself to the enemy fire to which the area was then subjected, moved among the men of the three platoons, encouraging them, briefed the noncommissioned officers for an attack and then personally led the three platoons in the attack on ****, through concentrations of enemy small arms and mortar fire. Lieutenant Lower’s action resulted in the capture of a major part of the town and the taking of sixty enemy prisoners. The initiative, resourcefulness and dauntless leadership displayed by Lieutenant Lower reflect high credit upon his character as an officer and upon the military service.