Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Awarded on:

March 6th, 1045

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a United States Atlantic Fleet anti-submarine task group while engaged in offensive action against an enemy submarine. The task group under Commander Bowling's command located, attacked, and probably destroyed an enemy submarine. Throughout the prolonged operation against a submarine known to be operating in a general area, the task group displayed outstanding team work and coordination in carrying out an effective and persistent search which located the enemy submarine within the suspected area. Utilizing every ship and facility at his disposal to the maximum advantage Commander Bowling developed the long-range surface contact into an underwater sonar contact. Under his continued supervision and direction, ships of the task group participated in a series of coordinated and individual ship attacks which resulted in the probable destruction of the enemy as evidenced by the extremely violent secondary underwater explosions and the large quantity of oil and debris which welled to the surface following a large proportion of the depth charge explosions. The skill, initiative, and foresight displayed by Commander Bowling, in directing the forces under his command in a prolonged operation which resulted in the probably destruction of an enemy submarine reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service. (Commander Bowling is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)"

Commander in Chief Atlantic: Serial 1012