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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Stephen Lee Bowman, United States Army, for gallantry in ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 August 1969. Lieutenant Bowman distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader in Company B, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during combat operations near the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. Company B was securing Fire Support Base Berchtesgaden when an enemy sapper force attacked the perimeter. During the initial contact, Lieutenant Bowman was wounded by shrapnel from a rocket propelled grenade and temporarily lost his hearing due to the explosion. Despite his wound, he reacted immediately by placing himself in a fighting position directly in the line of the sapper attack. Maintaining this critical position, he killed four North Vietnamese soldiers who moved as close as five meters to his foxhole. He then moved to a more advantageous position where he could control the movement of his platoon. On numerous occasions, he moved from position to position supervising redistribution of ammunition and offering encouragement to his men. It was mainly due to his aggressive leadership that the enemy sappers were routed. Lieutenant Bowman’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.