Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously (presented to his family) from Vice President Gerald R. Ford at Blair House in Washington DC, on July 17, 1974, for his actions as a staff sergeant with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, US Army, on June 27, 1969, in Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam. He joined the US Army in 1965 and after his recruit and combat training, he was sent to South Vietnam. On that day, during Operation Toan Thang III, he smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his body, sacrificing himself to protect those around him. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "SSgt. Bowen distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant during combat operations in Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam. SSgt. Bowen's platoon was advancing on a reconnaissance mission into enemy-controlled terrain when it came under the withering crossfire of small arms and grenades from an enemy ambush force. SSgt. Bowen placed heavy suppressive fire on the enemy positions and ordered his men to fall back. As the platoon was moving back, an enemy grenade was thrown amid SSgt. Bowen and three of his men. Sensing the danger to his comrades, SSgt. Bowen shouted a warning to his men and hurled himself on the grenade, absorbing the explosion with his body while saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. SSgt. Bowen's extraordinary courage and concern for his men at the cost of his life served as an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the military service and the U.S. Army."
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously (presented to his family) from Vice President Gerald R. Ford at Blair House in Washington DC, on July 17, 1974, for his actions as a staff sergeant with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, US Army, on June 27, 1969, in Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam. He joined the US Army in 1965 and after his recruit and combat training, he was sent to South Vietnam. On that day, during Operation Toan Thang III, he smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his body, sacrificing himself to protect those around him. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "SSgt. Bowen distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant during combat operations in Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam. SSgt. Bowen's platoon was advancing on a reconnaissance mission into enemy-controlled terrain when it came under the withering crossfire of small arms and grenades from an enemy ambush force. SSgt. Bowen placed heavy suppressive fire on the enemy positions and ordered his men to fall back. As the platoon was moving back, an enemy grenade was thrown amid SSgt. Bowen and three of his men. Sensing the danger to his comrades, SSgt. Bowen shouted a warning to his men and hurled himself on the grenade, absorbing the explosion with his body while saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. SSgt. Bowen's extraordinary courage and concern for his men at the cost of his life served as an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the military service and the U.S. Army."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Inscription
Medal of Honor
SSG US Army
Vietnam
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