Navy Federal Credit Union

Curt Bowers served as an enlisted man in the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment in Germany, where he became a Christian through the influence of Nazarene Chaplain H. J. VanVorce. During his college and seminary training, he pastored a Methodist church for four years. After graduation from Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, he was ordained a Nazarene minister and pastored the Cape May Church of the Nazarene in Cape May, New Jersey, for a year. He then returned to military service and was commissioned a U.S. Army chaplain, serving first at Fort Huachuca, Arizona; then at Fort Hamilton, New York; Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Knox, Kentucky; and Fort Stewart, Georgia. He serve as a chaplain in Vietnam where he earned a Silver Star, and also had overseas service in German, Japan, and Korea. He retied from active duty as a colonel, and accepted the position of Director of Chaplaincy Ministries for the Church of the Nazarene.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    1st Brigade

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    February 7, 1966

    Headquarters, United States Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1985 (March 31, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Curtis R. Bowers (ASN: 0-97283), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Chaplain Bowers distinguished himself on 7 February 1966, while serving as Chaplain with the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, accompanying a task force during combat operations at the village of My Canh, Republic of Vietnam. Upon approaching the village, Chaplain Bowers’ unit encountered heavy automatic weapons fire and sustained numerous casualties. Observing the dangerously exposed positions of the friendly casualties, Chaplain Bowers left his covered position and rushed through the hostile fire to the aid of his wounded comrades. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Chaplain Bowers repeatedly exposed himself to the intense Viet Cong fire and recovered eleven wounded and two dead soldiers. After his stricken comrades had been moved to the landing zone, Chaplain Bowers effectively organized and supervised an efficient helicopter evacuation. Through his courage, determination, and outstanding leadership, he contributed immeasurably to the successful evacuation of eleven wounded soldiers. The heroic actions of Chaplain Bowers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.