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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. John B. McGown

Profile for James A. McGowan
Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross
Awarded DFC, Date action: 12 July 1967, Theater: Republic of Vietnam
For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain McGowan distinguished himself while serving as a Helicopter Pilot of an OH-23 which was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Infantry Division Artillery. On 12 July 1967, Company B, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry was engaged with a large force of North Vietnamese Regulars. During the initial contact their Company Commander was lost and the first attempt to fly in a new Commander was aborted when the pilot was wounded and his craft damaged. Upon learning that the mission was unsuccessful, Captain McGowan volunteered to attempt the extremely hazardous task. He picked up the Commander at the Duc Co airstrip and headed toward the embattled area. As they approached their destination the hazards of the initial attempt were compounded by high winds and torrential rain. Heavy automatic weapons fire thwarted his first attempt to land in the small hastily prepared landing zone, but undaunted, Captain McGowan courageously proceeded to make another attempt. On his second try he made a diversionary pass and at the last moment turned his craft and quickly descended to the landing zone. With the Commander safely on his way to the perimeter, he safely maneuvered his craft out of the area. Captain McGowan’s gallantry, professionalism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
The DFC was awarded by the direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 2 July 1926.