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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

William Henry Gowan — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Navy
Rank: Boatswain
Medals Recorded: 4

William Henry Gowan

Boatswain, U.S. Navy

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Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862–1912 Navy
World War I Victory Medal (United States)
Bronze Star
- Grand Fleet
American Defense Service Medal
World War II Victory Medal

Ribbon Rack

Biography

Heroism during a major fire in Coquimbo

William Henry Gowan received the Medal of Honor for bravery during a fire at Coquimbo, Chile, on 20 January 1909. He served in the United States Navy as a boatswain’s mate aboard USS Washington. His award recognizes extraordinary conduct in a civilian emergency beyond the ship’s routine duties. The official citation identifies the conflagration and date but does not provide a detailed rescue sequence, so the account preserves the documented recognition without adding unverified actions.

Medal of Honor citation

For bravery and extraordinary heroism displayed by him during a conflagration in Coquimbo, Chile, 20 January 1909.

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