Norman Bowker
MINNESOTA — Norman Bowker sadly passed away in 1978. Bowker was found hanging from a jump rope by a couple of his friends in the late evening.
He was an esteemed soldier in the Alpha Company troop who fought in the Vietnam War. Bowker was known for always carrying his diary. His fellow soldiers regarded him as a gentle man who carried a thumb that was a gift from his friend, Mitchell Sanders. He also won several medals during his time in Vietnam including ‘The Bombay Infantryman’s Bade’, ‘the Army Commendation Medal’, ‘The Vietnam Campaign Medal’, and a couple more. Bowker wished for his father to be very proud of him regardless of how many medals he won.
Sadly, Norman Bowker was deeply troubled after the war. He blamed himself for his friend’s death and felt like he was drowning ever since his friend, Kiowa, died. Bowker wrote to me a few times and in fact, he asked me to write about him. He wanted his story to be told, but he could not find the worlds to tell in.
Norman will be truly missed. He was a vital member of the Alpha Company, and I hope that he knows that he should not be blamed for Kiowa’s death. He may not have saved Kiowa, but he was a hero for trying to.
Bowker is survived by his mother and father.
In loving memory of Norman Bowker – a friend, a soldier, and a fellow member of the Alpha Company. ~ Tim O’Brien
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