Honoring Veterans: Air Force Veteran William M. Bower

William M. Bower was born in February 1917 in Ravenna, Ohio. He graduated from Ravenna High School in 1934 and, just two years later, enlisted in the Ohio National Guard in October 1936. Prior to enlisting, he attended Hiram College and Kent State University. While in the National Guard, Bower was a part of the 107th Cavalry until his honorable discharge in 1938.

Despite having already served, Bower enlisted in the Army Air Forces in February 1940, where he served in the Aviation Cadet Program, was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant, and was awarded his pilot wings in October of the same year. Bower flew in the 17th and 37th Bomb Squadron in Washington before volunteering in 1942 during World War II. On April 18, 1942, Bower piloted the 12th B-25 that took off from USS Hornet (CV-8), bombing assigned targets in Yokohama, Japan. After his aircraft ran out of fuel, Bower and his men bailed over China and returned home to the United States in June 1942, where he then quickly deployed to England a month later. In recognition of his honorable endeavors during the Doolittle Raid, Lt. Bower was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross.

After serving in England, Bower went deployed to Africa and Italy, becoming commander of the 310th Bomb Group in Italy, deputy base commander of the 593rd Air Force Base Unit and the deputy base commander of the 1455th Air Force Base Unit, all ranging throughout 1945-1947. In 1947, the Air Force became a military branch, and Bower transferred from the U.S. Army Air Forces to the Air Force. 

Bower retired on Sept. 1, 1966, with over 5,300 hours of flying during his time in the Air Force alone. He died in January 2011 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. 

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for Honoring Veterans

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s Honoring Veterans social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Writer: Mariah Bailey

Editor: Lillian Williams, Kinsey Spratt

Researcher: Charmonie Baugh, Kelsey Burchard

Graphic Designer: KiKi Kelley