AWARDED DFC: 2
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 Thomas E. Bowen for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Warrant Officer Bowen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 May 1965 while serving as Aircraft Commander of an armed helicopter in a fire team rendering support to a Vietnamese ground unit which was pinned down near Soc Trang, Republic of Vietnam. Upon entering the operational area, Warrant Officer Bowen's Aircraft Commander began to receive .50 caliber machine gun fire from well-fortified Viet Cong emplacements and sustained numerous hits. Despite this, Warrant Officer Bowen remained in the area and took the hostile emplacements under attack with effective rocket fire. During the course of action, the fire team leader was wounded and his aircraft severely damaged. Despite having expended his rockets, Warrant Officer Bowen dauntlessly placed his aircraft between the team leader's helicopter and the hostile positions to enable his door gunner to place suppressive fire upon the hostile emplacements until the disabled aircraft safely departed the area. Warrant Officer Bowen's aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and general bravery were most instrumental in the successful completion of the operation. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Thomas E. Bowen for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Warrant Officer Bowen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 27 August, 1965 to 28 August 1965 while serving as Aircraft Commander on an armed helicopter supporting a search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Vi Thanh, Republic of Vietnam. Upon arrival in the operational area, Warrant Officer Bowen's fire team was ordered to make an attack against the main body of the Viet Cong force. On one such pass, Warrant Officer Bowen's aircraft was hit by ground fire. Through extraordinary judgment, initiative, and flying skill, he was able to successfully support the besieged ground troops by directing intense suppressive fire on the Viet Cong positions. That night, Warrant Officer Bowen repeatedly demonstrated his outstanding capabilities. He made several target attacks and two separate escorts into the operational area while under intense Viet Cong automatic weapons and mortar fire. Warrant Officer Bowen's display of professionalism and courage were highly instrument factors in the successful accomplishment of the mission. The heroic actions of Warrant Officer Bowen were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.