The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Robert Silber McGowan (ASN: 0-66360), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Lieutenant Colonel McGowan distinguished himself by heroic actions on 15 February 1969, while serving as Squadron Commander of the 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a sweep operation, C Troop came under an intense attack from a large enemy force. Learning of the contact, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan immediately ordered his aircraft to the battle area. Because of the many casualties on the ground, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan requested his aircraft to land and act as a dust off. Reaching the ground, and amid intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan personally assisted in loading the wounded aboard the ship. Remaining on the ground, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan continued to aid in the evacuation of the numerous wounded. When the unit had pulled back, it set up a defensive position. Lieutenant Colonel McGowan continued to aid in the evacuation of the numerous wounded. When the unit had pulled back, it set up a defensive position. Lieutenant Colonel McGowan continually exposed himself as he ran through the bullet swept area from position to position pointing out targets of opportunity and directing his men’s fire, as well as firing on the aggressors with his weapon. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the enemy force and the success of the mission. Lieutenant Colonel McGowan’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Robert Silber McGowan (ASN: 0-66360), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Lieutenant Colonel McGowan distinguished himself as Squadron Commander of the 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While established in a night lager position near the village of Binh Hoa, elements of the 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry came under a massive enemy attack. During the initial contact, the medics’ armored personnel carrier was hit by a rocket propelled grenade and immediately burst into flames. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan exposed himself to the withering hostile fire as he moved through the bullet swept perimeter to the burning vehicle. Braving the ominous flames, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan entered the burning track, pulled two wounded medics from the vehicle and extinguished the blaze. During the course of the battle, two more armored personnel carriers were struck by RPG rounds, wounding three crew members and forcing the remainder of the crews to seek refuge. Realizing the danger the weakened positions presented to the integrity of the laager, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan dauntlessly exposed himself to the heavy volume of fire as he mounted an abandoned track and began to place effective fire on the insurgents located 25 meters from his location. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the hostile force. Lieutenant Colonel McGowan’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.