The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Roscoe L. Bowman (NSN: 0-56762), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CORREGIDOR during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area from 21 June to 1 August 1944. Commanding an important unit of our forces in operations against enemy shore installations and air power, Captain Bowman maintained the fighting efficiency of his ship at a high state, thereby enabling it to attain an outstanding record of destruction wreaked upon the enemy on land and in the air. His professional ability, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Bowman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Roscoe L. Bowman (NSN: 0-56762), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9) during the period 1 July to 15 July 1945, while engaged in extended offensive operations against Japan. By his calm decisiveness and sound judgment he directed his air group in attacks which caused great destruction to enemy aircraft, shipping and installations. He contributed cool and inspiring leadership to the officers and men under his command and at all times his conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Bowman is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)