The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Henry E. Bown (ASN: 0-1337384), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Tank Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 21 September 1950 in the vicinity of Yusan-dong, Korea. On the afternoon of this date he was leading a tank-infantry patrol with the mission of determining the strength, weapons and disposition of the enemy. As the patrol moved down a narrow road it came under terrific enemy artillery and mortar fire which inflicted several casualties upon the infantrymen. Lieutenant Bown moved his tank forward in an effort to engage and draw the fire of the enemy. While engaged in this maneuver his tank struck a mine, immobilizing it and seriously wounding the assistant driver. With complete disregard for his own safety Lieutenant Bown dismounted from the tank and carried the wounded driver fifty yards through the intense enemy fire to a waiting jeep. When he returned to his tank he discovered that the enemy fire made it impossible to accomplish repairs. He then ordered the members of his crew to withdraw and instructed each one to take one piece of vital tank equipment. He personally removed the firing mechanism of the main piece and withdrew only after his crew had reached the cover of the other tank. That night he led his tank crew back to the disabled tank and assisted them in removing the remaining equipment. The inspiring leadership and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Bown on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.