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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Tommy Bowling, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Bowling distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 March 1971 while serving as a forward observer with Company B, 3d Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, an element of Company B was established in their night defensive position when they suddenly came under an intense enemy attack by a large enemy force. The enemy began the intense attack with a barrage of mortar fire, causing numerous friendly casualties, and immediately followed this with a heavy ground attack. During the initial attack, Lieutenant Bowling was seriously wounded. He immediately began to call in artillery strikes on suspected enemy mortar positions, despite his painful wounds. Lieutenant Bowling, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, then personally carried a wounded soldier to a medical evacuation helicopter that had just arrived on the scene. Returning to the perimeter, through a hail of enemy fire, he continued to call in artillery strikes throughout the rest of the night. When the evacuation helicopter returned for the remaining wounded personnel, Lieutenant Bowling refused evacuation, even though seriously wounded, in order that he could assist in the defense of the position. When not calling in artillery, he maneuvered from position to position giving encouragement and instructions to all of the men. Second Lieutenant Bowling’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.