Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Unit:

No. 405 (Vancouver) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

October 22nd, 1943

"As captain and pilot, this officer has participated in very many sorties, including attacks on Berlin, Dusseldorf, Cologne and Hamburg. On 1 occasion, when attacking the latter city in July 1943, his aircraft was badly damaged by antiaircraft fire. Despite this, Pilot Officer Gowan successfully completed his attack and afterwards flew the damaged bomber to base. This officer has set a high standard of skill and resolution."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 405 (Vancouver) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

May 1944

"Squadron Leader Gowan has completed two tours of operational duty. He has attacked some of the enemy's most heavily defended targets including Berlin, Cologne and Hanover. At all times he has displayed courage, skill and determination of a high order. An exceptional pilot and organizer, he has played no small part in the successes achieved by his squadron."

Second DFC received as bar.