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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain Selman Stewart Bowling (NSN: 0-61338), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commander Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons, SEVENTH Fleet, during action against enemy Japanese forces from Wakde through and including the Philippine Islands and Borneo Areas, from February 1944 to 25 August 1945. An inspiring and dynamic leader, highly skilled in the comprehensive planning and coordination of supporting operations launched by his units against a fanatic, determined enemy, Captain Bowling consistently operated in uncharted waters and under extremely difficult conditions, expertly deploying and directing his command in advance strikes to disrupt vital hostile communications, intercept enemy supplies and reinforcements, carry out liaison missions with friendly guerilla scouts and parties and perform extensive escort and reconnaissance duties. In a fierce engagement with powerful elements of the Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Surigao Straits on 24 and 25 October 1944, his intrepid force spearheaded the main attack with a daringly executed torpedo assault to inflict extensive damage and destruction on hostile shipping which contributed to the memorable success of this decisive action. Captain Bowling’s superb professional ability, sound judgment and bold combat tactics, maintained in the face of tremendous odds, were essential factors in the sustained drive toward the conquest of vital hostile strongholds in the Southwest Pacific Area and in his dauntless perseverance and valiant devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself, his gallant officers and men, and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 21 MTB-21)

    Action Date:

    April 1943 – January 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0430 (February 26, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Selman Stewart Bowling (NSN: 0-61338), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron TWENTY-ONE, from April 1953 through January 1944. Exercising sound judgment and brilliant initiative in a position of considerable responsibility, Captain Bowling labored tirelessly in developing a high degree of combat efficiency in the units under his command, preparing plans and later executing numerous war patrols in the Southwest Pacific Area. By his forceful leadership and tenacious devotion to duty he not only contributed to the success of his squadron in sinking and damaging many tons of enemy shipping but was largely responsible for the success of other squadrons in the Task Group.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Action Date:

    July 17 – November 12, 1942
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 519 (February 16, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Selman Stewart Bowling (NSN: 0-61338), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Communications Officer of the Staff of the Commander Amphibious Force, South Pacific during the period 17 July to 12 November 1942. In spite of repeated Japanese attacks and the difficulties of carrying on his task with inadequate and insufficient equipment and almost wholly unskilled radio personnel, Lieutenant Commander Bowling succeeded in maintaining communication with the Command Echelons ashore, thus permitting the Task Force Commander to be constantly advised of the situation ashore throughout each of four separate missions to the Solomon Islands. During this period also, Lieutenant Commander Bowling voluntarily served with the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron at Tulagi for a month, this first-hand combat experience providing a valuable source of information for the Commander Amphibious Force. 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 Naval Service.