Navy Federal Credit Union

George Bowman entered military service after graduating from Louisiana State University. He retired as a U.S. Marine Corps Major General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    March 26, 1953

    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 5356 (April 7, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel George Shepard Bowman (MCSN: 0-5314), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea as Commanding Officer of a Marine Aircraft Group. On 26 March 1953, Colonel Bowman served as Tactical Air Coordinator in a massed aerial assault on enemy supply installations in the vicinity of Chinnampo. Flying attack bombers, he and his wingman reached the objective prior to the arrival of the striking force and conducted a preliminary reconnaissance of the extensive target. Suddenly and without warning they were attacked from above by four enemy jet fighters. Colonel Bowman led his wingman in countering and beating off this attack by the vastly superior enemy fighter force and, despite its continued presence in the area, proceeded to direct the Marine’s striking force of jet and propeller driven fighter bombers in a closely coordinated and highly destructive attack on the enemy installations. Following the withdrawal of the striking force, he remained in the area to make low level visual damage assessments of the strike. Colonel Bowman’s resolute actions in the face of the enemy fighter attack and his skillful leadership in the direction and control of his own forces were largely responsible for the success of a mission that inflicted heavy damage upon the enemy. His courageous conduct, outstanding professional ability and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    June 1964 – May 1966

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General George Shepard Bowman (MCSN: 0-5314), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Second Marine Aircraft Wing, Cherry Point, North Carolina from June 1964 to May 1966.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    August 17, 1952 – April 1953

    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 5356 (April 7, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel George Shepard Bowman (MCSN: 0-5314), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during operations against the enemy in Korea while serving with a Marine Aircraft Group as Executive Officer from 4 August 1952 to 12 January 1953, and then as Commanding Officer from 4 August 1952 to 1 April 1953. Colonel Bowman continuously displayed outstanding initiative and professional ability in discharging the responsibilities of his assignment. By keen analysis of the logistical factors involved, he fully employed the material and personnel resources at hand in sustaining the optimum combat air operations of his group. Throughout his clear understanding of the air situation and his thorough grasp of the principles involving tactical employment of air power, he applied this effort in highly effective air supporting operations in which maximum damage was inflicted upon the enemy. Colonel Bowman’s excellence as a leader in combat and his competence as executive administrator on the ground contributed substantially to the United Nations’ operations in Korea. His exemplary conduct, exceptional resourcefulness and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Bowman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    July 1969 – August 1970

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General George Shepard Bowman (MCSN: 0-5314), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander, III Marine Amphibious Force and later, as Deputy Commander, XXIV Corps, from July 1969 to August 1970, in the Republic of Vietnam. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    June 1968 – July 1969

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General George Shepard Bowman (MCSN: 0-5314), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Marine Corps Liaison Officer, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. from June 1968 to July 1969.