Korean War
| Service # | 23625A |
|---|---|
| Unit | 16 FTR INTCP SQ 51 FTR INTCP GP |
| Rank | First Lieutenant U.S. Air Force |
| Date of Death | March 9 1953 |
| Status | Missing In Action |
| Memorialized |
Courts of the Missing
Court
8
Honolulu Memorial |
Air Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross
Korean Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Purple Heart
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
For his leadership and valor, First Lieutenant Cowden was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Notes
First Lieutenant Cowden was the pilot of a F-86E Sabre Jet fighter bomber with the 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group. On March 9, 1953, while on a combat mission, his flight of three F-86s engaged two MiG-15s. His aircraft was hit, crashed and burst into flames. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.