Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
E.
Bowen
POW (WWII) KIA
October 19, 1905

–

October 24, 1944

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila (Wall of the Missing)

As a POW en route to Japan on the “Hell Ship” ARISAN MARU, William Bowen died with nearly 1,800 of his comrades when the U.S.S. Paddle (SS-263), not knowing that American POW’s were on board, fired torpedoes at the ship off the coast of Mindanao and sank it.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Camp John Hay

    Division:

    U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE)

    Action Date:

    January 12 & 13, 1942
    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 213 (1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant William E. Bowen (ASN: 0-890518), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Communications Chief at Camp John Hay, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), in action against enemy forces in the Philippine Islands, on 12 and 13 January 1942. Technical Sergeant Bowen’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.