Major John P. Rowley, USA

Representing US Special Operations Command

Major John P. Rowley, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service from October 2023 to June 2024 while deployed as the Operations Officer for two separate Joint Task Forces (JTF) in the US CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR).

MAJ Rowley deployed to CENTCOM on October 8, 2023, the day after the devastating Hamas attack on southern Israel. MAJ Rowley took over the role as Operations Officer for a Joint Task Force supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, driving operations to achieve US national security objectives in the region. During this deployment, MAJ Rowley led these operational efforts despite being under continued One-Way Attack Unmanned Aerial System (OWA UAS) attacks by Iranian-Aligned Militia Groups (IAMGs). Following numerous US and coalition casualties in these attacks, including the killing of three US soldiers at Tower 22 in Jordan on January 28, 2024, MAJ Rowley played a pivotal role in actions undertaken by US CENCTOM to restore deterrence against these groups throughout the AOR.

As his tour was nearing its end, MAJ Rowley was hand-selected for an opportunity to serve as the Operations Officer for a separate JTF in the CENTCOM AOR. MAJ Rowley was selected for this position based on his linguistic and cultural expertise in the region following his completion of the Olmsted Scholarship, in which he achieved a Master’s Degree in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel in 2022. MAJ Rowley immediately deployed again to the region, bringing his wealth of knowledge to a separate problem set. During this deployment, MAJ Rowley worked closely with servicemembers across the SOCOM Enterprise in support of key US national security efforts, while advising and liaising with critical allies during a period of significant conflict.

MAJ Rowley exemplified selfless service during these back-to-back deployments, answering the call to lead during a period of intense regional conflict. His expertise in the CENTCOM AOR proved crucial to the achievement of operational success for two JTFs- including contributions to both the restoration of deterrence in the theater and the provision of critical support of American allies. Through his distinctive accomplishments, MAJ Rowley reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.