Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

3rd Marine Division "Fighting Third", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

August 13th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

Citation:
"For meritorious service in connection with operations against the enemy on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 25 February, 1945 to 8 March, 1945, as a member of an artillery liaison team. Corporal Rowden was charged with maintaining wire communication between the forward observation party, with the front line companies, and the liaison officer in the infantry battalion command post. Although fully aware of his won peril, he constantly exposed himself to the enemy mortar and small arms fire to trouble-shoot the wire to the forward observers. It was through this action that communication was maintained between the infantry companies and the supporting artillery. His actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services."