Billie J. Bowerman

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Billie J. Bowerman (1191073), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 10 May 1952. As a member of a raiding party which suffered many casualties when taken under intense mortar and automatic weapons fire during an assault on enemy forces occupying well-entrenched positions on commanding ground, Private First Class Bowerman, aware that the wounded were exposed to hostile machine-gun fire, unhesitatingly charged the enemy gun position in an attempt to protect the wounded Marines. Although painfully wounded, and deprived of the use of his rifle, which was blown from his hands during the bombardment, he bravely continued his attack and succeeded in neutralizing the gun position and killing three of the enemy with grenades. Wounded a second time and blown from his feet from the concussion of bursting grenades and mortar shells, he steadfastly refused medical aid and joined his comrades in routing the remainder of the hostile forces. By his inspiring initiative and valiant fighting spirit in the face of heavy odds, Private First Class Bowerman contributed materially to the success of the raid and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.