The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Edwin F. McGowan (MCSN: 0-13126), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on December 16, 1943. When his machine-gun platoon was pinned down by intense hostile fire while covering the advance of a rifle company, First Lieutenant McGowan courageously assumed an exposed position and pointed out vital targets to his men, enabling them to deliver an effective attack against Japanese emplacements. Immediately taking charge of a machine gun after the gunner was fatally wounded, he continued to direct the vigorous assault and later, when the leader of the rifle company was injured by enemy fire, skillfully assumed command. Realizing that the position had become untenable, First Lieutenant McGowan coolly directed the withdrawal of his units, steadfastly remaining behind at his weapon to cover the evacuation. His daring initiative and resolute devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.