Jay Dee Cowan was born on October 11, 1919 in Loredo, Texas.

Grammar School 1926-1933

Dallas Technical High School 1933-1937 (National Honor Society and Commercial Art Club)

1937-1940 for the American Poster & Program Company in Dallas Texas

1937 to 1940 Cowan was in the Texas National Guard (Corporal)

College N.T.A.C. from 1939 to 1940

September 1940 at the University of Texas A&M. He attended the Medical Administration Corps as part of the Calvary Headquarters Troop. He was also an Art Assistant in the Art Department. In 1941 he was promoted to Corporal and was a member of the Houston A&M Club.

Cowan enlisted into the United States Army Air Force on March 31, 1942 (serial# 18083741). He originally applied for a position as an Air Corps Cadet to be a pilot on January 31, 1942 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. On February 1, 1942, Cowan was approved to be an Air Corps Cadet after being cleared. Cowan remained in the Army Air Force as a mechanic for bomber aircraft after realizing he became sick while flying.

He was assigned to the 851st Bombardment Squadron of the 490th Bombardment Group in the 8th Air Force.

Cowan was a ground crew chief in charge of repairing and maintaining the aircraft of the 851st Bombardment Squadron at RAF Eye. As described in his Bronze Star Citation, the aircraft he was tasked with maintaining completed sixty four (64) bombardment missions against the enemy from May 31, 1944 to January 14, 1945.

February 9, 1945 - Bronze Star Citation

“JAY D. COWAN, 18083741, Master Sergeant (then Technical Sergeant and Master Sergeant), Army Air Forces, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy from 31 May 1944 to 14 January 1945. During this period, extensive battle damage was sustained by the aircraft assigned to him, but despite the handicaps of working in the open air and frequent shortages of equipment, Sergeant Cowan expertly and efficiently supervised all repairs and quickly returned his aircraft to perfect operational condition. As a result of his capable, patient workmanship, the aircraft he maintained completed sixty-four (64) bombardment missions against the enemy without being forced to return because of mechanical difficulty or failure. His technical skill and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.” - Signed by Captain F. E. Fitzpatrick

He also became an aircraft nose artist. Confirmed artwork include:

Booby Trap (B-24H-20-FO 42-94802)

Carolina Moon (B-17G-75-BO 43-37907)

Alice Blue Gown (B-17G-85-BO 43-38400)

5 Pounds with Breakfast (B-17G-95-BO 43-38728)

Looky Looky (B-17G-70-DL 44-6893)

Bobby Sox (B-17G-50-VE 44-8158)

August 26, 1945 Cowan was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant

1945 school year he was the Art Editor for the university paper

1946 He married Barbara Ellen Cramer

1947 member of the Architecture Society and drew the sketches for the Admissions Office booklet called “The Senior Sells Himself”.

1948 he graduated with a bachelors degree in architecture, later he obtained a masters degree.

By the 1950’s he worked at Burns & Rowe Architect and Engineering as the head architect in Los Angeles.

By the 1960’s he agreed to take a contract with the United States government for one year in Frankfurt, Germany

He later took another one year contract with the United States government in Afghanistan to design schools and office buildings.

1978 he retired officially

1979 he took a six month contract to supervise construction of an Alaskan pipeline

7/2015 - hospice care

7/30/2015 he passed away peacefully at the age of 95

10/25/2017, posthumously awarded the Jubilee of Liberty Medal by the 8th Air Force Historical Society.