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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major George Edward Bowdoin (MCSN: 0-11317), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Fourth Battery, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 10 October 1944. Commanding a provisional group of artillerymen serving as infantry in a front-line sector, part of which was particularly rough terrain and could be dealt with only by direct fire from a heavy weapon, Major Bowdoin personally supervised the manhandling and emplacing of a pack-howitzer into a position on a narrow rocky ridge despite heavy enemy machine-gun fire from three sides. By his courage, skill and initiative in directing this work and in remaining voluntarily in an exposed position throughout the night and the following day, during which the howitzer was employed effectively against the enemy, Major Bowdoin contributed materially to the success of our forces and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    4th Battalion

    Regiment:

    11th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    January 4 – 9, 1944
    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 02147 (April 18, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major George Edward Bowdoin (MCSN: 0-11317), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Forward Artillery Observer from the Fourth Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, from 4 to 9 January 1944. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, Major Bowdoin continually exposed himself to the fire of enemy riflemen, machine guns and mortars and, often working his way to points within a few yards of well-emplaced Japanese positions, skillfully directed the fire of our supporting artillery. By his extreme bravery in the face of grave danger and his unswerving devotion to duty, he contributed in a large measure to the final defeat of the enemy in this vital area. Major Bowdoin’s heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.