Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman Murray Malone Bowen (NSN: 2290459), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Corpsman with Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces at Yong Dong Po-Ri, Korea, on 21 September 1950. When the company with which Hospitalman Bowen was serving as a Company Corpsman came under intense fire from enemy small arms, machine guns and mortars, with absolute disregard for his own personal safety he moved from wounded to wounded to render first aid. Casualties were numerous and each time he went to the aid of a wounded Marine, he came under a virtual hail of enemy fire. After having aided at least nine wounded Marines, another fell seriously wounded in an alley between two buildings which was being swept by enemy machinegun fire. Fearlessly and courageously, he moved forward into the alley to aid the wounded Marine but was killed instantly by a burst of enemy machinegun fire just before reaching the side of the wounded Marine. Hospitalman Bowen’s heroic actions and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Awards Received