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Post by Lisa A Bowers on Aug 1, 2008 5:36:11 GMT 8
Hello All,
My name is Lisa Bowers. My Grandfather was Jack Bowers, one of the medics who served with you. Grandpa Jack passed away before I was born, so I never knew him. I'm currently serving in the Army as a Nurse, and I'm looking for any information I can find about my family's military history. Even though I never knew him, I always strive to be the kind of officer he'd be proud of.
All I have of my Grandfather are a few photos and some stories. I am always looking for more stories and photos.
Thank you all!
Sincerely, Lisa A. Bowers
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Post by EXO on Aug 1, 2008 6:56:24 GMT 8
Lisa, A number of folk who are looking for information on a family member who was in the 503d. They find the website, but cannot locate any mention of the trooper. Not so the case with Jack Bowers. Charlie Bradford, John Lindgren recalls, was proud of his medics "as well he should be." Jack Bowers, Bradford's senior medical enlisted man, was "sort of a rogue", Lindgren recalls, "but a brave and able man." Bowers was wounded along with Buchanan, the "D" company commander, at the mouth of Corregidor's Cheney Ravine. Bowers attended Buchanan, although painfully wounded himself. Buchanan's wounds were [according to Charlie] superficial but he left never to return to his rifle company. Buchanan's conduct displeased Doc Bradford particularly since he was a graduate of a highly respected southern military school "who should have behaved better." The incident is described in detail at corregidor.org/503_fox/monja/monja.htm . From that same incident, Bowers was awarded a Bronze Star. His citation is reproduced in context at corregidor.org/Bless%20'em%20All/General%20Orders/General%20Orders13,%2012%20March%201945%2002.html and reads: Technician Fourth Grade John Bowers, 11018378, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy at Corregidor, Philippine Islands on 21 February 1945. Technician Bowers was an aid man with a patrol which was proceeding through an enemy infested ravine. When some of the men were wounded, Technician Bowers disregarding the enemy fire, went to the wounded men and rendered first aid. During this time Technician Bowers was wounded by grenade fragments which also struck his Company Commander. In spite of his wounds, he remained with the fallen officer rendering first aid until help arrived. This action reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Home address: Mrs. Annie Bowers (mother), 40 Marchand Street, Fall River, Massachusetts. The 503d was not noted for rewarding its heroes, which is John Lindgren's polite way of saying that the 503d was noted for NOT rewarding its heroes - and as only the most extraordinary feats of arms were recognized, you can be especially proud. If you have a photo of Jack in uniform, it would be great to have it on the site. As an Army Nurse yourself, let me say that the fruit hasn't fallen far from the Bowers tree. Congratulations on attaining that exacting qualification, and best wishes. exo
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Post by one50 on Aug 1, 2008 10:14:22 GMT 8
I just wanted to correct you on John Bowers SN. The correct number should be 11018374 The National Archives has his date of enlistment as 11/20/45...that has to be wrong, unless he re-enlisted or it could be a typo?
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Post by EXO on Aug 2, 2008 8:22:59 GMT 8
We are both ,(but thanks for the peer-review.)
I went back to the paper copy, and discovered that T4 Bowers' Serial Number as recorded in the document awarding him the Bronze Star was 11018378. The last digit is definitely not a 4.
Ahh, the dreaded typos!
Does the correct Serial No. result in a change of the date of enlistment?
As RHIP, I will change the SN to the correct number, and people will wonder what we're talking about.
exo
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Post by Jeff Bowers on Sept 8, 2008 8:36:00 GMT 8
Jack Bowers was my father & Lisa is my daughter. She's off to Hawaii now to serve three years at Trippler. I have one photo of my dad in jump gear; taken at Ft. Benning, I think. It was a picture he signed and sent to my grandmother before he left for Australia.
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