The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Major William L. Bowling, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as a student at the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College, Quantico, Virginia on 16 August 1982. Late that afternoon, while on his way home in Springfield, Virginia, Major Bowling observed an oncoming van swerve and collide with another vehicle ahead of him. Moving rapidly to the scene of the accident, Major Bowling, with complete disregard for his own safety, quickly took action to control a threatening fire in the burning van; summon police, ambulance, and fire department assistance; and concurrently evaluate the injuries received by the two people in the stricken car. Despite the danger of fire and explosion, Major Bowling promptly removed one victim from the car and rendered emergency first aid. He unhesitatingly returned to the car and applied first aid to the second victim who was pinned in the vehicle and, exhibiting great personal bravery, resumed his firefighting efforts until emergency services personnel arrived. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Major Bowling undoubtedly saved two lives; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 1993 – June 1995
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel William L. Bowling, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, from June 1993 through June 1995. Through his superb leadership, detailed knowledge of command and control, and dedicated initiative, Colonel Bowling was instrumental in completely modernizing the school, thereby improving its effectiveness and the quality of Marines transferred to the Fleet Marine Force. His efforts in establishing Program of Instruction reviews and computer-based interactive training classrooms, as well as providing Operational Conversion Training for new systems to the Fleet Marine Force will greatly enhance the warfighting capabilities of the Marine Corps. Colonel Bowling’s implementation of total quality concepts at the command laid the groundwork for its continuous improvement. He repeatedly demonstrated his capacity to excel as a prodigious worker, exceptional leader, and a Marine of extraordinary management qualities. Because of his diligent efforts and innovative approaches, he contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the school’s mission. By his exceptional ability, initiative, and total dedication to duty, Colonel Bowling reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 4, 1995 – June 23, 1998
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel William L. Bowling, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1 and Chief of Staff, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific from 4 July 1995 to 23 June 1998. throughout this period, Colonel Bowling consistently performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. As Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, he exhibited exceptional professional competence in planning, guiding, and coordinating all the Manpower/Personnel issues during a time period of austere manning levels. He implemented numerous Information Management Procedures that help locate, track, and ultimately fill, key billets and alleviate manning shortages. His diligent efforts dramatically improved the cohesiveness, combat capability, and readiness of the FIRST Marine Aircraft and increased operational tempo. As Chief of Staff, his energetic drive and immense capacity to coordinate and direct myriad staff actions were the catalyst for molding the General and Special Staff into a highly competent and effective team. By his outstanding leadership, commendable innovation, and inspiring dedication to duty, Colonel Bowling reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.