Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class Walter M. Gow (ASN: RA-14287166), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 16 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date his company was attacking Hill 208, a strong point which was bitterly defended by the enemy. During the assault he moved forward of the attacking line to lead a medical aid man to a wounded soldier. While on the way they encountered ten or more enemy troops. Instructing the aid man to return for help he held off the enemy with rifle fire and withdrew only when his ammunition was exhausted and he was wounded in the shoulder. Having received first aid he returned to the firing line and was once more wounded, this time losing a finger of his right hand which prevented him from firing his weapon. Disregarding his painful wounds, he began to pass ammunition to his comrades. Again he was wounded, but neither his wounds nor the intense enemy fire prevented him from bringing ammunition forward. Later during the battle he volunteered to lead litter bearers forward and assisted them in the recovery of his wounded comrades before allowing himself to be evacuated for medical attention. Private Gow’s selfless devotion to duty and to his comrades served as a great inspiration to all members of his company during this critical engagement. The gallantry displayed by Private Gow on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1950

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders 105 (1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Walter M. Gow (ASN: RA-14287166), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 12 September 1950 in the vicinity of An-Sin, Korea. On that date Private Gow was a rifleman accompanying his squad which was encircling a strong enemy force in an attempt to launch a surprise attack. In the initial phase of the attack he observed four enemy soldiers preparing to attack his unit from the rear. Realizing the possibility of wounding his comrades if he opened fire on the enemy, he held his fire and charged the enemy with fixed bayonet. With complete indifference for his personal safety he dashed forward intrepidly and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat, killing all four with his bayonet. His heroic charge was undoubtedly responsible for preventing serious casualties among his comrades. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Private Gow reflect great credit upon himself and fully uphold the finest traditions of the military service.