Distinguished Service Cross Citation
Joseph B. Bowman
Date of birth: 21-Mar-44
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: Roanoke Virginia
Status: KIA
AWARDS AND CITATIONS
Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph B. Bowman (ASN: 0-5340137), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, 198th Infantry Brigade (Light), Americal Division. Second Lieutenant Bowman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 February 1968 as an infantry platoon leader during a combat mission near DaNang. A Marine platoon had become engaged by enemy forces operating from a nearby village, and Lieutenant Bowman led his troops to reinforce the beleaguered unit. As his element approached the village across a large open rice paddy, a North Vietnamese Army battalion sprang a savage ambush on it from entrenched and concealed positions in a tree line and, at the same time, pounded it with a withering barrage of mortar, rocket and automatic weapons fire from the village. The devastating fusillade wounded Lieutenant Bowman and many of his men. Disregarding his wounds and safety, he fearlessly moved among his troops and directed them to defensive positions behind a paddy dike. He then began to evacuate the casualties, and the insurgents unleashed a series of fanatic human wave assaults on his perimeter. Bullets struck all around him as he moved from position to position and inspired his men to repel the determined attacks. The enemy finally overran his lines despite the heroic defense, and Lieutenant Bowman led his men in fierce hand-to-hand battle that inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers. He was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his troops in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force. Second Lieutenant Bowman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2342 (May 17, 1968)
Action Date: 8-Feb-68
Service: Army
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Company: Company A
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade (Light)
Division: Americal Division
Feb 8, 2015 |
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Robert Kirsten
robert_kirsten@hotmail.com
Served with him in 1st of the 6th
32460 Dohany Drive Farmington Hills MI 48336 USA
I served with Lt Bowman and knew him, super individual
Lt Bowman was just an outstanding man, leader, and soldier way back in 1968. I was the 1st of the 6th Battalion radio operator from our training in Ft Hood in 1967 thru Sep of 68. I was there at the battle of Lo Giang when he was lost, and many more, particularly from Alpha Company, which Joe served. You may never have heard of this battle during the 68 TET offensive, but it was just south of Danang, and we had just been lifted in to replace the Marines in the area. 300 to 400 yards off the drop zone (which was right on Rte 1), with Alpha Company in the lead crossing rice paddies, and in full daylight, we ran into 1500 NVA dug in at the village. It was a tremendous battle that went hand to hand when the NVA charged out from the village. Almost all of Joe's platoon were lost that day. In his honor and memory, Major Mac and Col Baxley named a later LZ after him. After 44 years, those of us that were there certainly still remember. We are honored to have served with you, as we are thankful for the lives and families we have been blessed with since. It is our deepest regret that all of those futures were taken away from you, and for the suffering of your family. Bless your spirit, Joe. I have now enjoyed two different malignant cancers, apparently linked to Vietnam, so I don't think it will be too much longer before our reunion in heaven.
May 17, 2012 |
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Collin Aker
You did a good job in serving our country and thanks.
Apr 11, 2012 |
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Barbara Allen
barbiedoo2001@hotmail.com
None , Just a grateful American !
5 Joshua Drive Bloomingburg NY 12721 USA
I Thank & Salute You 2nd Lt Joseph B Bowman for your ultimate sacrifice ! You are a True Hero & will never be forgotten ! God bless your soul & your family ! Amen !
Feb 8, 2012 |
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Jim and Tom Reece
reecejim@yahoo.com
Fellow Tar Heel Veteran
Salute to a Fellow Tar Heel Veteran
Find a grave website
You answered the call of your county and paid the ultimate price. For this we salute you.
Jan 12, 2011 |
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Bruce West
fire9378@hotmail.com
Nephew
120, Oakridge Way, Defuniak Springs, FL., 324333, USA
Thank you, for honoring, my Uncle
This is, to thank everyone, who honors my Uncle, by remembering him. To include, his fellow serviceman and family. I'm wish, to talk, to anyone, who has information, about him. I've already talked, to so many, I'am forever grateful, to you. Please continue, to email me, at fire9378@hotmail.com. Thank you all.
Nov 9, 2008 |
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N Holmes
Fellow Officer
MN.
I was, with Lt., Bowman, the day, he died. He was, an exceptional man, leader, human being. I think, of him, so often.... especially, on the anniversary, day. I see his face, as clearly, as if he were here, with me and remember, his constant smile and infectuous, sense, of humor. Rest in peace, BO. I miss you.
Sep 7, 2007 |
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Manuel Pino B/2/8th Cav 68-69
mpjr54@msn.com
Fellow Vietnam Army Vet
A/1/6th Inf 198th Inf Bde
Unselfishly, you left your fathers and your mothers, You left behind your sisters and your brothers. Leaving your beloved children and wives, You put on hold your dreams, your lives. On foreign soil, you found yourself planted To fight for those whose freedom you granted. Without your sacrifice, their cause would be lost But you carried onward, no matter the cost. Many horrors you had endured and seen. Many faces had haunted your dreams. You cheered as your enemies littered the ground; You cried as your brothers fell all around. When it was over, you all came back home, Some were left with memories to face all alone; Some found themselves in the company of friends As their crosses cast shadows across the land. Those who survived were forever scarred Emotionally, physically, permanently marred. Those who did not, now sleep eternally Beneath the ground they had given their lives to keep us free. With a hand upon my heart, I feel The pride and respect; my reverence is revealed In the tears that now stream down my upturned face As our flag waves above you, in her glory and grace. Freedom was the gift that you unselfishly gave Pain and death was the price that you ultimately paid. Every day, I give my utmost admiration To those who had fought to defend our nation. ~Author Unknown~
Aug 28, 2007 |
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Bruce West
bruce.west@eglin.af.mil
Nephew
120, Oakridge Way, Defuniak Springs, FL., 32433, USA
Thank you
I'am the nephew, of Joseph Bruce Bowman and want, to say, thank you, to everyone who remembers him. He died, before I was born and my parents, named me, after him, to honor him. I have fond memories, of stories, I heard, from my parents, about him. He is, still missed, to this day. Everytime, I walk, into my house, I see, the flag, that covered his coffin, in Virginia. I've had it, for over 20, years now. He is, never far, from my thoughts. I wish, I could, have met him, just once. My parents say, that I'am, very much, like him. If anyone, has information, about my uncle, please email me. He may, be gone, from our sight, but never, from our hearts.
Apr 29, 2007 |
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Garnet Jenkins
Grand Junction, Co.
In Remembrance
Remembering, this Young Soldier, on the anniversary, of the day, he Gave his Life, for our country, with a Multitude, of Thanks, for his Courage, Service and Dedication, to our Country and for Freedom. Rest well and know, that you will, NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I'am the sister, of such a young hero, who made the Supreme Sacrifice, in Vietnam, 1967.... They shall, grow not old, as we that are left, grow old. age shall, not weary them, nor, the years condemn. At the going down, of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. "For the Fallen" September 1914 ~ R.L. Binyon ~
Mar 21, 2007 |
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