Arnold C. Bowers

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Arnold C. Bowers, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations on 2 January 1963, as a member of the Military Assistance Advisory Group, Vietnam. While serving as an Advisor to a Vietnamese Infantry Company, Sergeant Bowers, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, exposed himself to intense small arms and automatic rifle fire to rescue an unconscious pilot of a downed helicopter, and to render first aid to a seriously wounded helicopter crew member. He then moved rapidly from position to position along the firing line, assisting and encouraging his Vietnamese comrades to hold their position and to pursue their defense efforts. His courageous action, personal example, and dedicated devotion to duty served to stabilize the defense actions of the Vietnamese unit he was advising. Sergeant Bower’s conspicuous gallantry is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 52 (December 18, 1963)