The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Hammett Lee Bowen, Jr. (ASN: 12891395), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 27 June 1969. Staff Sergeant Bowen distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant during combat operations in Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Bowen’s platoon was advancing on a reconnaissance mission into enemy controlled terrain when it came under the withering crossfire of small arms and grenades from an enemy ambush force. Staff Sergeant Bowen placed heavy suppressive fire on the enemy positions and ordered his men to fall back. As the platoon was moving back, an enemy grenade was thrown amid Staff Sergeant Bowen and three of his men. Sensing the danger to his comrades, Staff Sergeant Bowen shouted a warning to his men and hurled himself on the grenade, absorbing the explosion with his body while saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. Staff Sergeant Bowen’s extraordinary courage and concern for his men at the cost of his life served as an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the military service and the United States Army.