Contains Bowman's letters written to parents and other family member from March 10, 1943₁February 12, 1945. Also contains his military journal from August 10, 1944₁ February 12, 1945. Includes a narrative written by Gael Elmer, comrade of Bowman and fellow prisoner-of-war in Hungary and Germany. Narrative recounts the last bombing mission of Bowman's B-17, its crash-landing, the fate of its crew members, a detailed account of Bowman's condition prior to his death and his burial in Tapolca, Hungary, journeys to numerous prison camps including Stalag 3 and Stalag 7A, relationships between the prisoners and German captors, living conditions, and the prisoners' eventual rescue by the Allied armies. Includes letters written by Bowman's Chaplain, Brigadier General, and Captain expressing sorrow over his death and giving praise for the exceptional soldier he was. Also includes a photocopy of the telegram sent to his parents informing them of his death, a letter from the U.S. Army announcing the posthumous awarding of the Air Medal to Bowman, and a letter outlining the details of his funeral. Photographs show Bowman in full military dress, with his fellow crew members, with his B-17, and at his post over the bomb bay. Also show a map of Hungary, Bowman's tombstone, and his Chaplain. Also included are photocopies of newspaper articles citing his death following his crash.
