MOH

Hammett L. Bowen, Jr. – Vietnam War – June 27, 1969

During an enemy ambush in Binh Duong Province, one platoon sergeant threw himself onto a live grenade to shield his men, sacrificing his life in a split-second act of selfless heroism that saved three comrades.

December 2, 2025

Name: Hammett Lee Bowen, Jr.
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company C, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Place and Date: Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam – 27 June 1969
Entered Service At: Jacksonville, Florida
Born: November 30, 1947 – LaGrange, Georgia
Departed: Killed in action, 27 June 1969
Accredited To: Georgia



Summary of Action

On 27 June 1969, Staff Sergeant Hammett L. Bowen, Jr. led his platoon on a reconnaissance mission in enemy-controlled terrain in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam. As the unit advanced, it was suddenly pinned down by withering small arms and grenade fire from a well-prepared ambush.

Bowen immediately returned fire to suppress the enemy and ordered his men to fall back. During the withdrawal, an enemy grenade landed amid him and three of his soldiers. Fully aware of the imminent danger, Bowen shouted a warning to his men and threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full blast with his body.

Although mortally wounded, Bowen’s selfless act saved the lives of his three comrades and exemplified the highest traditions of the United States Army. His courage and devotion to duty inspired all who served with him and ensured the survival of his platoon under deadly circumstances.

Medal of Honor Citation

BOWEN, HAMMETT L., JR.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Place and date: Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 27 June 1969
Entered service at: Jacksonville, Fla.
Born: 30 November 1947, LaGrange, Ga.

Citation:
S/Sgt. Bowen distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant during combat operations in Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam. S/Sgt. Bowen’s platoon was advancing on a reconnaissance mission into enemy controlled terrain when it came under the withering crossfire of small arms and grenades from an enemy ambush force. S/Sgt. Bowen placed heavy suppressive fire on the enemy positions and ordered his men to fall back. As the platoon was moving back, an enemy grenade was thrown amid S/Sgt. Bowen and 3 of his men. Sensing the danger to his comrades, S/Sgt. Bowen shouted a warning to his men and hurled himself on the grenade, absorbing the explosion with his body while saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. S/Sgt. Bowen’s extraordinary courage and concern for his men at the cost of his life served as an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the military service and the U.S. Army.