Clotilde Dent Bowen was a psychiatrist who became the first African-American woman to reach the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army. Bowen was also the first African-American woman to graduate in medicine from Ohio State University, the first Black physician to hold a military commission, and the first woman commander of a U.S. military hospital. In 1970, Bowen served in the Vietnam War, as chief psychiatrist for the U.S. Army. She was awarded a Bronze Star and American Legion of Merit in 1971 for her work in establishing drug treatment centers and her efforts to reduce racial tensions in Vietnam. She was also awarded a Meritorious Service Medal. Bowen continued to advocate for services and support for services for drug dependency, support for soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorders, and human rights.