The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Harold Webb Bowman, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia, from 1 July 1957 to 30 November 1959. In this responsible assignment, the outstanding leadership, foresight, and professional knowledge of General Bowman have served to materially enhance the military education of officers of all of the United States military services, as well as key civilians of the several branches of the government. His exceptional ability contributed significantly to the furtherance of inter-service effectiveness. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Bowman culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
401st Bombardment GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Harold Webb Bowman, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of the 401st Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during bombardment missions over enemy-controlled Europe during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
401st Bombardment Group (H)Division:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
February 20, 1944
Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 249 (April 3, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Harold Webb Bowman (ASN: 0-17862), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 401st Bombardment Group Heavy, EIGHTH Air Force, while leading a Heavy Bombardment Division of B-17 Flying Fortresses on a mission over Germany, 20 February 1944. Colonel Bowman directed this deep penetration into enemy territory from his position as Co-Pilot of the leading aircraft. As the formation crossed into Germany, it encountered savage opposition from a large force of hostile fighters. Though the enemy made every effort to scatter the bombers, he led a strong defensive formation to the target area. Despite a veritable wall of anti-aircraft fire during the bombing run, which heavily damaged Colonel Bowman’s airplane, he led the formation over the assigned objective, which was bombed with excellent results. The gallantry, tenacity of purpose and brilliant leadership displayed by Colonel Bowman were in a large measure responsible for dealing a crushing blow to the enemy’s war effort. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.