William H. Cowie, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William H. Cowie, Jr. (0-57121), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 26 July 1953. Serving as a Platoon Commander, Second Lieutenant Cowie displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. When he was ordered to reinforce friendly elements on the main line of resistance, he exhibited exceptional qualities of leadership as he skillfully led his platoon forward and deployed it in the reinforcing position during an intense hostile mortar and artillery barrage. Expressing complete disregard for his personal safety, he courageously moved around the position demonstrating remarkable resourcefulness under the murderous enemy fire. His disregard for the hostile fire inspired his men to expose themselves in order to expedite the occupation of the new positions. On three separate occasions, he gallantly led a squad of men into enemy-held trenches in order to evacuate wounded Marines. On each occasion it was necessary to clear the enemy force from the position before the evacuation could be effected. During these evacuation missions, he killed at least six of the enemy in the extremely close fighting. Although he suffered painful wounds during the last attack, he refused evacuation and accepted only first aid treatment. Later in the night, he skillfully called friendly mortar fire upon the enemy which resulted in many casualties among the hostile force. Second Lieutenant Cowie’s gallant and courageous actions combined with his indomitable spirit served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.