The Congressional Gold Medal, which is the highest honor bestowed by Congress, honors those whose dedication, heroism, and public service have created a lasting impact on American history. On March 14, 2020, legislation was signed into law authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal for American Merchant Mariners whose honorable deeds played a critical role in World War II. 

The Merchant Mariners of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020 authorizes the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to award duplicates of the medal to individuals who, between Dec. 7, 1941 and Dec. 31, 1946, were members of the U.S. Merchant Marines. 

My great grandfather, Martin Bowman (1897-1945), an Army veteran of World War I, attempted to enlist in the Navy alongside his 3 sons, Robert (20 years old), Marty (18), and Jack (17), in September 1942. Due to a heart murmur and his age, 45, examining physicians at the naval hospital rejected his application. Martin insisted he would appeal directly to President Roosevelt and after several attempts at enlistment was ultimately granted civilian service with the Merchant Marines. 

The Merchant Marines is comprised of civilian mariners serving aboard both private and federally owned merchant vessels. During World War II, nearly 250,000 civilian merchant mariners served as part of the U.S. military and delivered supplies and armed forces personnel by ship to foreign countries engulfed in the war. Between 1939 and 1945, 9,521 merchant mariners lost their lives — a higher proportion than those killed in any military branch, according to the National World War II Museum.  

On Jan. 4, 1945, Martin Bowman was serving as Deck Engineer aboard the S.S. Lewis Dyche, tasked with reinforcing the Allies advance with ammunition during the Battle of Mindoro, when it was struck by a Japanese kamikaze plane in Mangarin Bay, the Philippines. Reports state that the explosion incinerated the ship and killed all 71 crew members.

Considered Missing in Action (MIA), his military records were incomplete and the short, damaged portions available on hand are those that partially survived the 1973 fire of the National Archives. Since the 2020 passage of the Merchant Mariners of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act, our family – which has continued Martin’s legacy of service with active duty in the U.S. Navy and Army, Intelligence Community, and the veteran support nonprofit, Operation Stand Down Tennessee – has struggled through the bureaucratic network and paperwork to obtain the medal in Martin’s honor. 

Now residents of Auburn, our family was previously stationed at the now recognized Army Aviation headquarters of Fort Novosel, appealed to U.S. Sen. Katie Britt.

Britt, office staff, and in-state constituent staff enthusiastically took up the challenge of navigating through the many records requests and bureaucratic requirements in the spring months of 2023. With her help, we received all eligible service decorations for Martin Bowman, including his issued Congressional Gold Medal on Sept. 15 – National MIA/POW Recognition Day. 

“Like so many courageous Americans, Martin Bowman went above and beyond the call of duty, serving our country in both World War I and World War II. He gave everything to help ensure that the forces of evil were defeated and liberty was preserved for generations to come. Our nation owes him an eternal debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. Helping his family obtain the long-overdue, well-deserved decorations for his incredible valor was a true honor. There is nothing more important than standing up for our veterans, and I am proud that we could play a small part in paying proper tribute to this true American hero,” said Britt.