The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Specialist Fifth Class Gary U. McGowan (ASN: RA-14932404), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy force while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade. Specialist Fifth Class McGowan distinguished himself on 6 October 1967, while giving assistance to victims of a downed aircraft. He observed a gunship crash near his location. Without any hesitation or regard for his own personal safety, he braved exploding ammunition, burning aircraft fuel and potential explosion of the aircraft’s forty-eight rockets, to pull and assist the four man crew from the burning aircraft. Specialist Fifth Class McGowan was responsible for saving the lives of the four crewmen. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.