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Deveroux W. Bowman papers, approximately 1945

 File — Box: 8, Folder: 4
Identifier: MSS 2350 Series 7 Sub-Series 2 Sub-Series 2 File 219

Scope and Contents note

Materials contain papers relating to Deveroux W. Bowman's service in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943-1945 during World War II. Contains Bowman's letters written to parents and other family members from March 10, 1943 to February 12, 1945. Also contains his military journal from August 10, 1944 to 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 contains photographs of a map of Hungary, Bowman's tombstone, and his Chaplain. Also included are photocopies of newspaper articles citing his death following his crash. Dated approximately 1945.

Dates

  • approximately 1945

Conditions Governing Access

Open for public research.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from Saints at War Project records must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Coordinating Committee.

Extent

1 folder

Language of Materials

English

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States