The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Sergeant Nicholas R. McGowan, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as Boat Team Commander, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, Thirteenth Marine Expeditionary Unit, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On 19 May 1989 during Exercise VALIANT USHER 89-5 in Shoalwater Bay off the east coast of Australia, Sergeant McGowan distinguished himself in an extremely dangerous situation during an amphibious raid when nine of the seventeen combat rubber raiding craft in the raid force were capsized by fifteen to twenty foot waves during darkness. Observing the craft ahead capsize, he maneuvered his team into position and assisted in recovering four Marines from the heavy surf. Soon after, his craft capsized, entangling underwater one of the Marines just recovered. With complete disregard for his own safety, he swam under the craft and located the trapped Marine. After working underwater for approximately two minutes, Sergeant McGowan cut free the entangled Marine and returned him to the craft. Rapidly assessing the situation while inspiring calm in the Marines around him, he directed the team to paddle out of the surf zone while he and another Marine initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). When capsized a second time, Sergeant McGowan ensured all hands were recovered and accounted for while providing encouragement as the team regained their composure. In efforts to revive their fellow Marines, he and other boat team members continued CPR for over two and one half hours before guiding his Marines out of the dangerous surf zone and to shore. By h is courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Sergeant McGowan undoubtedly saved the lives of his fellow Marines; thereby reflecting great credit upon him and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.