Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Alvin Lester Bowman, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Bowman distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the 51st Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces. During the evening of 3 November 1918, this soldier (bluejacket), under an intense artillery barrage, was exceptionally conspicuous for his bravery and coolness in dressing the wounded and carrying them to a place of comparative safety. On the night of 10 November, under a heavy artillery bombardment and withering machine-gun fire, he exposed himself recklessly, without thought of personal danger, while dressing the wounded and giving relief to the dying. Unaided he carried three men across the Meuse River that they might be carried on stretchers to the first ais station. This in the Meuse-Argonne Operations.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 10, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Alvin Lester Bowman, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Corpsman with the Fifty-First Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action 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, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Bowman exposed himself recklessly without a thought of personal danger and unaided carried three men across the Meuse River.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 3, 4, & 10, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 126 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Alvin Lester Bowman, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Corpsman with the Fifty-First Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near the Meuse River, France, 3, 4, & 10 November 1918. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Bowman displayed exceptional coolness and bravery under intense artillery and machine-gun fire, dressing wounded and carrying them to safety. On the night of 10 November 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 64 (1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Alvin Lester Bowman, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Bowman distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the 51st Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action against the enemy in the Champagne Sector, France, during World War I.