Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Fireman First Class

    Division:

    U.S.S. LST 379

    Action Date:

    July 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Fireman First Class John S. Bowling (NSN: 5601356), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism in saving Army personnel from drowning during the assault on the Island of Sicily in July 1943, while attached to the U.S.S. LST 379. During darkness, and with a heavy swell running, the U.S.S. LST 379 was lowering an assault boat loaded with Army troops, preparatory to landing them on the beach. The forward falls carried away, throwing the thirty-four heavily equipped Army personnel and the boat crew into the sea. Fireman First Class Bowling, a member of the boat crew, although his leg was broken, succeeded in cutting away the packs carried by two of the soldiers and in bringing both of them and others within reach of a latter where he supported them until they were rescued. He was one of the last to be brought aboard. The outstanding courage and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Fireman First Class Bowling was inspirational to those present and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.