CAPTAIN ARTHUR J. McGOWAN, JR., U.S. Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his extraordinary heroism on 27 and 28 February 1966, while serving as a battalion advisor to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam with a unit engaged in the defense of Vo Xu, Binh Tuy Province. In the initial insurgent assault, the battalion advisor and the weapons advisor were killed by automatic weapons fire. Captain McGowan immediately took charge and established radio contact with higher headquarters and the United States Air Force Forward Air Controller, providing the necessary information for effective air strikes on insurgent positions. For six continuous hours, under the intense hail of hostile mortar, small arms, and machine gun fire, and despite painful wounds by small arms grenades, Captain McGowan continued to engage the Viet Cong while maintaining Contact with the Air Force Forward Controller. Upon cessation of firing, he directed that a helicopter landing zone be located and personally supervised the orderly evacuation of wounded Vietnamese personnel. Captain McGowan’s extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Mr. McGowan joined the Legion of Valor in 1970.