James Andrew Bowman was born on October 4, 1915, in Marion County, Kentucky. He was the son of Robert Bowman and Willie Alma Beaven Bowman. He worked as a truck driver before enlisting into the US Army on August 23, 1940, from Fort Knox, Kentucky. He served in the Reconnaissance Company, 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division, as a Private during World War II. At the time of his death, James was serving as the gunner on the M8 Armored Car #R12-6032990 assigned to the 32nd Armored Regiment.

On August 13, 1944, he moved with his unit across across the Mayenne River. By late afternoon, their armored car continued pressing north in the middle of the 3rd Armored Division's column. While driving forward, a German motorcycle passed its position five miles west of Carrouges, France. Their lieutenant ordered the crew to chase the motorcycle and its rider, believed to be a messenger. Once they found the German, they turned their gun turret towards the motorcycle. At that moment they were hit by a German 88mm shell in their gas tank. Of the four men on the crew, only one survived.

Pvt Bowman was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, USA. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Source of information: www.honorstates.org