Marion Parks Bowden
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army

In January 1945, Lieutenant Colonel Marion Parks Bowden was serving with the 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, Seventh U.S. Army.

From 19-21 January, LTC Bowden's unit was in action against German forces in the European Theater of Operations. LTC Bowden's inspiring leadership and courageous actions during that time earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Lieutenant Colonel Marion P. Bowden, United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 19 to 21 January 1945. Lieutenant Colonel Bowden's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 496 (September 10, 1945)

Death and Burial

Lieutenant Colonel Marion Parks Bowden died on 17 August 1980. He is buried at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Travis County, TX.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=66883568