AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Distinguished Service Cross See more recipients of this award

Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry), [then Lieutenant Colonel] Glenn Joseph McGowan, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy at Paranaque, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 4 February 1945. As Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1, 11th Airborne Division, Colonel McGowan was a member of the Forward Command Group accompanying assault units of a Parachute Infantry Regiment in a drive on Manila from the south. The leading elements of the attacking forces were stopped south of Nichols Field by a heavy concentration of enemy artillery fire and automatic weapons fire. When the regiment regrouped to attack the strong enemy positions, the Chief of Staff of the Division was critically wounded by a burst of enemy automatic weapons fire. As the small party took cover, Colonel McGowan left a well-protected position and, with utter disregard for his own personal safety or the extreme danger at hand, rushed into the street and physically carried the wounded staff officer to cover. Continuing his brave efforts, he quickly tossed a hand grenade across the street into the enemy position, destroyed two of the fanatical suicidal defenders, and forced the others to withdraw into an abandoned house. Realizing that top ranking Army commanders and members of their staffs in the vicinity comprised possible targets for enemy snipers, Colonel McGowan organized a small raiding party to attack the house from the north. Two of his raiding party were wounded, and the others were forced to take cover. With fearless determination, Colonel McGowan worked his way around the south side of the abandoned house, entered, and destroyed the remaining enemy occupants, and eliminated that vital enemy strong point. The conspicuous valor, unselfish gallantry, and exemplary conduct in battle which he displayed throughout the most critical phase of this rapid retaliatory action removed a dangerous and threatening enemy position. Colonel McGowan's bold leadership and brave actions are in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 42 (November 7, 1960)

Action Date: February 4, 1945

Service: Army

Rank: Colonel

Company: G-1

Division: 11th Airborne Division