Frank S. Bowen, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Frank S. Bowen, Jr., Brigadier General [then Colonel], U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. Brigadier General Bowen distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 20 October 1950. General Bowen gallantly risking his life, personally conducted the daring maneuvers of more than four thousand paratroopers approximately thirty-five miles behind the enemy front lines. After six hours’ delay caused by extremely adverse weather conditions, the perfectly coordinated airdrop was accomplished with an absolute minimum loss of personnel and equipment. General Bowen parachuted with his men to pre-designated drop zones in the Sukchon-Songchon area known to contain enemy ground forces and antiaircraft batteries. Concentrating his forces in a strategic move to block the enemy’s main escape communications and transportation lines, including the two road and rail lines leading north out of Pyongyang. As a result of General Bowen’s dauntless and inspirational leadership, this operation was highly successful and effected the immediate seizure of initial objectives.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Frank S. Bowen, Jr., Colonel (General Staff Corps), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with