Alvin Lester Bowman

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Alvin Lester Bowman, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action near the Meuse River, France, November 3, 4, and 10, 1918. Pharmacist’s Mate Bowman displayed exceptional coolness and bravery under intense artillery and machine-gun fire, dressing wounded and carrying them to safety. On the night of November 10, under violent machine-gun and shell fire, he carried three wounded men across the Meuse River to a point where they could be reached by stretcher bearers, exposing himself without thought of personal danger.

The Navy Cross is awarded to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Alvin Lester Bowman, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the U. S. Marines at the front in giving first aid to wounded and carrying them to a place of comparative safety. On the night of November 10th, under a heavy artillery bombardment and withering machine gun fire, he exposed himself recklessly without a thought of personal danger and unaided carried three men across the Meuse River.