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.