Benjamin L Bowman
MilitaryWent on active duty February 1944. Served first as a basic training flight instructor. Attained the rank of 1st Lt. before being deployed in February 1945 as a lead pilot to the 487th Bomb Group, 838th Squadron, Lavenham, England. Completed 14 missions, one short of requirements for a second Oak Leaf cluster for the Air Medal.
His CO was Beirne Lay, co-author of the script for the movie 12 O'clock High, and several books about the 8th Air Force. Col Lay was a Warrior in his own right.
Connections
See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.
Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Lavenham/Alpheton Airfield
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
1 October 1920 | ||
|
Died |
1 August 1974 | ||
|
Buried |
Revisions
Records from the Archives in St. Louis, Missouri. His, among many other were "supposedly" destroyed in an infamous fire at the facility. After several attempts the remains of his records were recovered. A great deal of the data was intact and is the source for the medals awarded.
Records from the Archives in St. Louis, Missouri. His, among many other were "supposedly" destroyed in an infamous fire at the facility. After several attempts the remains of his records were recovered. A great deal of the data was intact and is the source for thee medals awarded.
American Amuseum
His CO was Beirne Lay, co-author of 12 O'clock High among other books. Col Lay was a Warrior in his own right.
Bernie Lay was his CO. Realized this recently.
Change:
"His CO was Bernie Lay, co-author of 12 O'clock High among other books."
Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Unit History, Unit Roster