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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade George Haldane Bowen (NSN: 0-145530), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as pilot of a carrier-based bomber aircraft of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), embarked in U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), assigned to an attack upon an enemy heavy cruiser in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands on 5 November 1944. In spite of enemy air opposition and intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire, he pressed his attack extremely low, scored a direct hit, and contributed appreciably to the sinking of this enemy warship. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 19 (VB-19)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    October 12, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade George Haldane Bowen (NSN: 0-145530), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of a carrier-based dive bomber in a flight against enemy shipping on 12 October 1944 in the Pescadores Islands. In spite of enemy air opposition and exceedingly intense anti-aircraft fire, he pressed an attack to a low altitude upon an enemy ammunition ship and scored a direct hit, which caused a tremendous explosion which almost threw his plane out of control and sank the ship. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 19 (VB-19)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0766 (October 30, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade George Haldane Bowen (NSN: 0-145530), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to 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.