Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Ralph McCowan (ASN: RA-15425459), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Medical Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 August 1951 in the vicinity of Pia-ri, Korea. On that date Sergeant McCowan, an aidman, was attached to Companies F and H while the units were in defensive positions. During the ensuing action, the units were pinned down by the intense hostile small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. Sergeant McCowan, heedlessly exposing himself to the enemy fire, advanced from one foxhole to another, treating the wounded men of both companies. When the friendly forces were ordered to withdraw to a secondary line of defense, Sergeant McCowan remained behind too assist the wounded. When escape seemed almost beyond hope, he picked up the last of the two wounded on his shoulders and carried him through the hail of enemy fire to the safety of friendly lines. His actions were an inspiration to his comrades and were responsible for saving many of their lives. The gallantry and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant McCowan on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 16, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 707 (November 12, 1951) Revoked and Replaced G.O. 818 (December 5, 1951)

    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 Sergeant Ralph McCowan (ASN: RA-15425459), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Medical Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 16 August 1951 in the vicinity of Wanggu, Korea. On this date friendly tanks were firing on a distant enemy bunker and Companies G and H’s heavy weapons platoons were providing supporting fire for the tanks. Sergeant McCowan, assigned to a machine gun section, was assisting in building a bunker position near the tanks when one of them exploded. Without a moment’s hesitation, he advanced to the flaming tank and with complete indifference to the furnace-like heat and the impending danger of the tank exploding again, he began to remove the injured men from the wreckage. In the process of rescuing the trapped men, Sergeant McCowan himself was burned, but still he continued to assist the crewmen from the tank. After evacuating each man to a safe position he administered medical aid and as a result of his quick action the seriousness of the injuries were held to a minimum. Sergeant McCowan’s heroism in a time of emergency reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.