Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Staff Sergeant (Sergeant-Major)

Unit:

351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division "Blue Devils" U.S. Army

For extraordinary heroism in action, on 30 September 1944, at Mount Capello, Italy. While occupying defensive positions on the crest of a hill, a company was subjected to an intense mortar barrage delivered from the vicinity of a house on the forward slope. Around the building approximately 100 Germans were assembling, presumably for a counter attack. Staff Sergeant McGowan volunteered to lead a platoon against the enemy stronghold. With fixed bayonets, the platoon led by Sergeant McGowan made a lightning attack on the enemy strongpoint. While leading his men to a point dangerously close to the impact area of supporting fire, Staff Sergeant McGowan personally neutralized two machine guns with hand grenades, killing three Germans and capturing six. Forcing one of his prisoners to load an enemy machine gun, Staff Sergeant McGowan manned the hostile weapon. He fired at a group of Germans in a draw to the rear of the house, killing or wounding 12 Germans and forcing the remainder to flee. During this action, Staff Sergeant McGowan was severely wounded in the leg, but he personally led his men in a ferocious assault on the house. He refused to be evacuated until he had reorganized his platoon and placed his men in defensive positions. The prodigious courage displayed by Staff Sergeant McGowan in the face of heavy odds won the admiration and esteem of his entire platoon, and his performance is exemplary of the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from Clemson, South Carolina.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 176 (1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division "Blue Devils" U.S. Army

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division "Blue Devils" U.S. Army

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.