George S. Bowman Jr.

George Shepard Bowman Jr. (December 24, 1911 – May 3, 2005) was a decorated officer and Naval aviator in the United States Marine Corps. A veteran of three wars, Bowman distinguished himself several times as commander, Marine Aircraft Group 12 in Korea and later rose through the ranks to major general and commander of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

During the Vietnam War, he served as deputy commander, III Marine Amphibious Force and deputy commander, XXIV Corps, before returned to the United States for his final assignment as commander, Camp Pendleton. Following his retirement from the Marines, Bowman served as superintendent, Marine Military Academy (1972–1979).

Early career

George S. Bowman Jr. was born on Christmas Eve of 1911 in Hammond, Louisiana, as the son of George S. Bowman and Marie Hall. He graduated from the high school there and enrolled the Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in summer 1931. While at the university, Bowman was active in football and track and was a member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He was commissioned second lieutenant in the Army Reserves.

World War II

Following the United States entry into World War II in December 1941, Bowman was ordered with his squadron to San Diego and was appointed commander of Service Squadron 13 attached to the newly activated Marine Aircraft Group 13 under Colonel Thomas J. Walker. The MAG-13 was transferred to Tutuila, American Samoa one month later and Bowman assumed duty as group's operations officer.

In July 1952, Bowman was ordered to Korea and joined Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12) under Colonel John P. Condon as executive officer. The MAG-12 was attached to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and provided support actions for allied units along the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Bowman succeeded Condon in mid-January 1913 and personally took part in an attack bomber in a massed aerial assault on enemy supply installations in the vicinity of Chinnampo on March 26, 1953. For his part in this mission, he was decorated with Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. He was also decorated for his service as commanding officer of the squadron, and received Legion of Merit with Combat "V".

Decorations Major General Bowman's personal decorations include: