AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Fred A. Gowan for heroism while participating in aerial flight. On 22 February 1967, during operation Junction City, Warrant Officer Gowan was serving as an Aircraft Commander of a gunship providing support for elements of the 1st Infantry Division. Warrant Officer Gowan was providing cover for the troop carrying helicopters. As the airlift helicopters approached the unsecured landing zone, Warrant Officer Gowan made a series of passes to locate possible enemy emplacements and encountered intense hostile ground fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Warrant Officer Gowan drew the fire from the unarmed troop carriers onto his own ship. It was on one of these passes that his aircraft sustained several hits which severely damaged the helicopter's hydraulic system. Although the damage made it extremely difficult to maintain control of his aircraft, Warrant Officer Gowan elected to remain with the airlift helicopters. He repeatedly exposed himself to the heavy barrage of enemy ground fire to provide cover for the friendly aircraft, as they landed in the unsecured landing zone. When the infantrymen jumped from the landed helicopters and moved toward the enemy emplacements, Warrant Officer Gowan skillfully maneuvered his aircraft to allow his door gunners to place the maximum volume of suppressive fire upon the Viet Cong. Warrant Officer Gowan demonstrated exemplary courage and dauntless courage and significantly contributed to the completion of the mission. Warrant Officer Gowan's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.