Ken Baxter's video: In Memory of Capt Arthur Joseph Mc Gowan Jr

Distinguished Service Cross Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Arthur J. McGowan, Jr. (ASN: 0-5317345), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. During the period 27 and 28 February 1966, Lieutenant McGowan was serving as Assistant Battalion Advisor to the 1st Battalion, 43d Infantry Regiment, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, 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. General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 112 (May 19, 1966) Action Date: February 27 & 28, 1966 Service: Army Rank: First Lieutenant Company: American Advisor Battalion: 1st Battalion Regiment: 43d Infantry Regiment Division: Army of the Republic of Vietnam