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 the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Robert Silber McGowan (ASN: 0-66360), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Lieutenant Colonel McGowan distinguished himself as Squadron Commander of the 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While established in a night lager position near the village of Binh Hoa, elements of the 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry came under a massive enemy attack. During the initial contact, the medics’ armored personnel carrier was hit by a rocket propelled grenade and immediately burst into flames. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan exposed himself to the withering hostile fire as he moved through the bullet swept perimeter to the burning vehicle. Braving the ominous flames, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan entered the burning track, pulled two wounded medics from the vehicle and extinguished the blaze. During the course of the battle, two more armored personnel carriers were struck by RPG rounds, wounding three crew members and forcing the remainder of the crews to seek refuge. Realizing the danger the weakened positions presented to the integrity of the laager, Lieutenant Colonel McGowan dauntlessly exposed himself to the heavy volume of fire as he mounted an abandoned track and began to place effective fire on the insurgents located 25 meters from his location. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the hostile force. 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.