Charles F. Gowder

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles F. Gowder, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as an Officer of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 381st Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 25 April 1944, against enemy ground targets in in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and 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.