Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Seaman Third Class

    Division:

    U.S.S. Defense (AM-317)

    Action Date:

    April 6, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Third Class James Padelford Bowell (NSN: 6386090), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while serving aboard the U.S.S. DEFENSE (AM-317), in rescuing six men from the water. When the vessel in which he was serving went to the rescue of survivors of another ship in the vicinity of Okinawa Gunto on 6 April 1945, he requested permission to go over the side to aid in the recovery of men in the water. In spite of the oil-covered sea, approaching darkness, and the probability of continued air attack he made two trips, one to bring a non-swimmer to the ship and another to take lines to five men, two of whom were seriously wounded. His heroic conduct performed in the face of great danger to himself was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.