Bowen joined the Army from Jacksonville, Florida in 1965, and received basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

On that day, in Bình Dương Province, South Vietnam, during Operation Toan Thang III, Bowen smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his body, sacrificing himself to protect those around him.

Bowen distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant during combat operations in Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam.

Bowen shouted a warning to his men and hurled himself on the grenade, absorbing the explosion with his body while saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.

Bowen's extraordinary courage and concern for his men at the cost of his life served as an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the military service and the U.S.