Peacetime Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award on March 19, 1909 for his actions as a boatswain's mate while serving with the US Pacific Fleet at Coquimbo, Chile on January 20, 1909. He joined the US Navy around 1907 and while his vessel was anchored off Coquimbo, Chile, a fire broke out at a hotel in the city. He and a group of sailors, led by Captain Bradley A. Fiske went ashore and attempted to extinguish the blaze. While they were unable to save the hotel, they successfully kept the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. For their actions during the incident, he and another man, Shipfitter First Class George Herbert Wheeler, were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroism. Gowan remained in the US Navy until 1942, when he retired at the rank of boatswain. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For bravery and extraordinary heroism displayed by him during a conflagration in Coquimbo, Chile, 20 January 1909."
Peacetime Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award on March 19, 1909 for his actions as a boatswain's mate while serving with the US Pacific Fleet at Coquimbo, Chile on January 20, 1909. He joined the US Navy around 1907 and while his vessel was anchored off Coquimbo, Chile, a fire broke out at a hotel in the city. He and a group of sailors, led by Captain Bradley A. Fiske went ashore and attempted to extinguish the blaze. While they were unable to save the hotel, they successfully kept the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. For their actions during the incident, he and another man, Shipfitter First Class George Herbert Wheeler, were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroism. Gowan remained in the US Navy until 1942, when he retired at the rank of boatswain. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For bravery and extraordinary heroism displayed by him during a conflagration in Coquimbo, Chile, 20 January 1909."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
Inscription
WILLIAM H
GOWAN
MEDAL OF HONOR
BOSN
US NAVY
CHILE
JUN 2 1884
MAY 22 1957
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