Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant (MC)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Meredith (DD-434)

    Action Date:

    October 18, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant (MC) John Z. Bowers (NSN: 0-87162), United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Medical Officer aboard the U.S.S. MEREDITH (DD-434), which had been sunk by the enemy on 18 October 1942. Ten officers and sixty-five men were rescued after being adrift in partially submerged life rafts for three days. The fact that the loss of life during that period was so small was due in large part to his professional skill, ceaseless attention, and untiring effort. For fourteen hours he remained in the water, swimming between rafts and applying dressings to wounds as best he could with the meager facilities at hand. In addition to carrying out his duties as Medical Officer in a manner that reflected the greatest credit on his professional ability, he kept up the morale and spirits among the survivors and unquestionably prevented many men from following the example of a few who left the rafts during darkness. Throughout this entire period he demonstrated sound judgment and the highest qualities of leadership. While still very weak from the rigors of his experiences, he forced himself to assist the medical officer of the rescue ship in treating the wounded in a manner that was a genuine inspiration to all hands. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.