George Haldane Bowen

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to George Haldane Bowen (0-145530), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units on 25 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bowen pressed a dive bombing attack on an enemy aircraft carrier and obtained a direct bomb hit in the face of enemy air opposition and extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire that appreciably contributed to the sinking of same. His courage, daring tactics and fearless devotion to duty were essential factors in the success of our forces and reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bowen and the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0766 (October 30, 1944)