Medal of Honor: Hammett L. Bowen Jr. – Vietnam War, June 27, 1969

Medal of Honor: Hammett L. Bowen Jr. – Vietnam War, June 27, 1969
Hammett L. Bowen Jr.
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
Conflict: Vietnam War
Unit: Company C, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Date of Action: June 27, 1969
Location: Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action:
In the suffocating heat and tangled terrain of Binh Duong Province, Staff Sergeant Hammett Bowen Jr. led his platoon into enemy-controlled territory on a dangerous reconnaissance mission. When the patrol was suddenly ambushed by intense enemy crossfire and grenades, Bowen responded instantly—laying down heavy suppressive fire and directing his men to fall back. As they withdrew through the jungle, an enemy grenade landed in the middle of Bowen and three nearby soldiers.

With no time to think and only instinct and courage to guide him, Bowen shouted a warning and threw himself onto the grenade. The blast tore through his body—but not his men. All three soldiers survived because of his selfless sacrifice. Staff Sergeant Bowen gave his life so that others might live. His gallantry and devotion to duty in the face of certain death stand as a timeless example of heroism.

Medal of Honor Citation:
Staff Sergeant Bowen distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant during combat operations in Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant 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.

Staff Sergeant 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 Staff Sergeant Bowen and three of his men. Sensing the danger to his comrades, Staff Sergeant 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.

Staff Sergeant 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.