Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Boatswain's Mate William Henry Gowan received the Medal of Honor for his actions on January 20, 1909 in Coquimbo, Chile — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1899 - 1910 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Washington. Gowan was 24 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on May 9, 1909.
Gowan was born on June 2, 1884 in Rye, Westchester County, New York. His Medal of Honor is credited to New York. Gowan died on May 22, 1957 in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of 72. He is buried at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For bravery and extraordinary heroism displayed by him during a conflagration in Coquimbo, Chile, 20 January 1909.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
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Timeline
- June 2, 1884Born in Rye, Westchester County, New York
- January 20, 1909Act of valor — Coquimbo, ChileAge 24. U.S.S. Washington
- May 9, 1909Medal of Honor presented
- May 22, 1957Died in Brooklyn, New YorkAge 72.
- Resting placeLong Island National CemeteryFarmingdale, New York
Biography
William Henry Gowan (June 2, 1884 – May 22, 1957) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. He was awarded the medal for his fire-fighting efforts during a blaze in Coquimbo, Chile. Gowan went on to have a 35-year Navy career, eventually becoming a warrant officer before his retirement.
From the Wikipedia article “William Henry Gowan”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
