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 pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Robert Silber McGowan (ASN: 0-66360), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Lieutenant Colonel McGowan distinguished himself by heroic actions on 15 February 1969, while serving as Squadron Commander of the 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a sweep operation, C Troop came under an intense attack from a large enemy force. Learning of the contact, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan immediately ordered his aircraft to the battle area. Because of the many casualties on the ground, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan requested his aircraft to land and act as a dust off. Reaching the ground, and amid intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan personally assisted in loading the wounded aboard the ship. Remaining on the ground, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan continued to aid in the evacuation of the numerous wounded. When the unit had pulled back, it set up a defensive position. Lieutenant Colonel McGowan continued to aid in the evacuation of the numerous wounded. When the unit had pulled back, it set up a defensive position. Lieutenant Colonel McGowan continually exposed himself as he ran through the bullet swept area from position to position pointing out targets of opportunity and directing his men’s fire, as well as firing on the aggressors with his weapon. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the enemy force and the success of the mission. Lieutenant Colonel McGowan’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.

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 pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Robert Silber McGowan (ASN: 0-66360), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Lieutenant Colonel McGowan distinguished himself by heroic actions on 24 June 1969, while serving as Squadron Commander of the 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. When elements of the 4th Cavalry came in contact with a large enemy force, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan ordered his pilot to fly into the area of contact. After landing in the area, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to a heavy volume of hostile fire as he led an assault on an enemy bunker. As he neared the hostile position, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan spotted an enemy soldier and killed him with a hail of fire. Observing a wounded soldier pinned down in the kill zone, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan again exposed himself to the enemy fire as he evacuated the wounded soldier to safety. His valorous actions were responsible for saving several lives and contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the hostile force. Lieutenant Colonel McGowan’s bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.