Memorial Day - Hometown Heroes

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This is for Memorial Day and highlighting hometown heroes from your town/city.

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Orloff Lake Bowen - San Antonio, Texas

West Point Class of 1940

World War II South Pacific

3 time recipient of the Silver Star

Killed in action Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 30 January 1944

Buried at West Point

First Silver Star Citation reads

Captain (Infantry) Orloff Lake Bowen, Jr. (ASN: 0-23052), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands, in March 1943. While leading a reconnaissance patrol of four men behind enemy lines, Captain Bowen came suddenly on an enemy machine gun position containing 20 enemy soldiers. He quickly opened fire with his pistol, killing at least one of the enemy and wounding others. Because of the suddenness and accuracy of the pistol fire, the patrol was able to withdraw before the surprised group could return fire. In spite of the danger from enemy fire, Captain Bowen continued to lead the patrol to complete the reconnaissance of the terrain. Two days later, using the information obtained while out on patrol, and under adverse weather conditions, he personally led his company in a successful offensive against the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Bowen, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.