Wilbur Eugene Bowlby

These awards are based on the information below and per applicable DoD Directives and Awards Manuals:
Bronze Star Awarded to individuals who, while serving in the United States Armed Forces in a combat theater, distinguished themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight.
Purple Heart Awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Forces, after April 5, 1917, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may hereafter die of wounds received in action against an enemy of the United States.
American Defense Service Medal Awarded for service between September 8, 1939 and December 7, 1941 under orders to active duty for a period of 12 months or longer.
American Campaign Service Medal Awarded for military service within the American Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946.
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Awarded for military service with the Asiatic-Pacific Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946.
World War II Victory Medal Awarded for military service between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946, both dates inclusive.
Note that this list may not include all awarded medals, devices, unit citations or qualification badges. FC3c Bowlby most likely had also earned the US Navy Good Conduct Medal.

Documents, Forms and Resources Found or Not Found:
No  ABMC Form 1, Headstone Inscription And Interment Record
No  Eyewitness Statement or Report
Yes Memorial Marker Photo, Find A Grave Memorial: 56781313
Yes Official US Navy After Action Report Sunda Strait, 28 February-1 March 1942
Yes Photo of veteran: 56781313
No  Washington Newspaper Obit, Notice, or Report
No  WWII Draft Card Data

WWII Draft Card Data
Wilbur Eugene Bowlby None Found

Note 1: The death location, "In the Sunda Strait" is based on the best information available at this time. In the case of FC3c Bowlby, this location was validated on:

A. The American Battle Monuments Commission website identifies his Service Number as 3858161 and Navy Rating as Fire Controlman Third Class U.S. Navy.

B. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency records: "Bowlby, Wilbur E, FC3, 3858161, USN, from Washington, USS Houston, location Java, missing, date of loss March 1, 1942".

C. The United States Navy Memorial (USNM) records: "Bowlby, Wilbur, FC3c, USN, Houston CA-30, March 1, 1942".

D. The States Summary of War Casualties from WW2 - National Archives records: "Bowlby, Wilbur Eugene, Fire Controlman 3c, USN. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Bowlby, Clallam Bay, Wash".

E. Further information on 'The Last Battle of USS Houston' can be found at Naval History and Heritage Command website The Galloping Ghost of the Java Coast and the Houston II (CA-30), 1930-1942.

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