Harry S. Bowman

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Harry S. Bowman (369158), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during the occupation of enemy Japanese-held Saipan Island in the Marianas on 16 June 1944. An indomitable fighter, Private First Class Bowman voluntarily remained in his fox hole when his platoon was ordered to retire from overpowering mortar, machine-gun, rifle and grenade fire during a savage, close-in counterattack launched by the Japanese under cover of the early morning darkness following our assault on this strategic enemy base. Relentlessly maintaining a steady stream of accurate rifle fire against the hostile troops, he effectively covered the withdrawal of his unit until with his ammunition expended, he was killed by the enemy. By his fearless initiative, resolute fortitude and great personal valor, Private First Class Bowman enabled his platoon to withdraw, reorganize and successfully repulse the enemy’s countermeasures during a critical phase in the early stages of hostilities, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 12612 (August 24, 1944)