The  President  of  the  United  States  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

For service as set forth in the following

               CITATION:

               "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while  serving as a Corpsman  with  Company  I,  Third   Battalion,  Twenty-Sixth   Marines,  Third Marine  Division in  connection  with operations  against  insurgent  communists (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam.  On  28 February 1968, a  Marine from  Petty Officer BOWLING's company  had moved  into the landing zone on Hill 881 South near  Khe Sanh to attach  external cargo to a helicopter  when an enemy  mortar  round  exploded  nearby, severely  wounding  him.  Reacting  in- stantly, Petty  Officer BOWLING  left his covered position  and ran through the continuing  hostile  fire to assist  the casualty.  With  complete  disregard  for his own safety, he administered  first aide to the seriously  injured Marine, shielding his  comrade  with  his own  body as enemy rounds  continued  to  impact  in the area.  Requesting  an  evacuation  helicopter, he  steadfastly  remained  with  the casualty  until the aircraft arrived  in the zone.  Despite  his  heroic  efforts, how- ever, the  Marine  succumbed to  his  wounds enroute to  the  helicopter.  By  his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Petty Officer BOWLING was  an inspiration to  all who observed him  and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."