Memorial

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Reed had five brothers (one was stillborn) and six sisters. Reed was the ninth child.

Reed’s father - Thomas Jefferson Bowman (called Mr. Tom) - died suddenly of a heart attack on 19 May 19 1943. Reed returned by train to Elberton, Georgia, from Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, in time to attend the funeral. At the funeral Reed was able to spend time with his mother and his brothers and sisters with the exception of his brothers Lester (Thomas Lester) and Jake (John Vernon) Bowman. This was Reed’s last visit to see his Mother, family, friends and his hometown.

Members of the local draft board in Elberton (who attended the funeral) arranged for Reed’s older brother Lester (Thomas Lester) Bowman, who was also in the Army, to bereleased from the service so that he could come home and manage the farm. Jake was in the Army (Africa, Sicily and Italy campaigns) and did not find out about his Father’s death until later that summer when he was fighting in Sicily. Jake was later critically wounded fighting at Anzio in Italy. He was sent back to the US to recuperate. Jake spoke often about his brother and later named his son after Reed.

Pfc. Reed O. Bowman worked in a textile factory.

He enlisted at Fort McPherson, Atlanta, Georgia on 10 December 1942 and was sent for basic training to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. During basic training he broke his left arm.

Pfc Bowman was initially buried in an isolated grave in Altwied. On 1 March 1946 he was disinterred an reburied in a temporary grave at Margraten on 11 March 1946. He was again disinterred on 28 September 1948 and was given his final resting place a day later.