The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant J. D. Cowgill (ASN: 6569667), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 21st Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, Far East Air Forces, serving on beach defense as infantry, on 7 February 1942. Sergeant Cowgill displayed gallantry in action against the enemy at Quinaun Point, Bataan, Philippine Islands. After 3 consecutive days of fighting that drove the enemy onto the beach, he volunteered with five other men to attack, from landing boats, enemy forces which had taken cover beneath the cliffs and in caves. Without regard for his own safety, Sergeant Cowgill with the five other men, raked the enemy positions and cave entrances with machine-gun fire while fully exposed to enemy aircraft and small-arms fire from the beach. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Cowgill, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.