The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant John David Bowman, III (ASN: RA-13804692), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate), in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Bowman distinguished himself on 9 February 1966 while serving as a member of a company whose mission was to relieve the pressure on friendly elements that were pinned down by a numerically superior Viet Cong force in the vicinity of Tuy Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 1700 hours, while his platoon was maneuvering along a tree line, they were attacked by an entrenched and well camouflaged Viet Cong force. As the platoon advanced, it came upon an open area. Realizing that his men much cross the hazardous area to assist the other elements and unite the company, Sergeant Bowman rallied his men and personally led them across the open area. While leading his men, Sergeant Bowman was mortally wounded. His courageous actions, which had forced the Viet Cong to concentrated their fire on him, he enabled the platoon leader to maneuver a squad to the flank and overrun the insurgent position. As a result three Viet Cong were killed and a machine gun was captured. His inspiring leadership while receiving intense hostile fire, and devotion to duty at the cost of his life, contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. Sergeant Bowman’s 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.