Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

22nd Canadian Field Ambulance, The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

August 31st, 1944

Recommendation:
On the morning of 6 June 1944, Captain Cowan was in command of a section of 22 Canadian Field Ambulance which landed with and in support of Queen's Own Rifles of Canada in the assault on Bernières-sur-Mer. For one and one-half hours he directed and treated casualties on the beach under heavy artillery and mortar shell fire and cross fire from snipers. By his gallantry and leadership and a complete disregard of his own safety he kept his section together and cleared many wounded to safety under the sea wall.
He continued to serve with his section although suffering from a ruptured gastric ulcer himself and only reported for treatment when casualties in his area were completely cleared. He was operated upon immediately after reporting ill.

Supplement to the London Gazette, 31 August, 1944.