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Batavia, Aug 9 - Today, Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14) met with Hugh Alfonsos Celestine Bowman, a WWII veteran from Aurora, and presented him with various medals that he earned for his service in the Coast Guard Merchant Marine.

“In about a week, the country will be commemorating the 65th anniversary of VJ Day. It is therefore a great privilege to be able to honor a veteran who served his country in the Merchant Marine during World War II,” said Foster.  “I am privileged to honor Mr. Bowman today by presenting him with the various decorations earned by his brave service to our country.”

Bowman served on a T2 tanker named the Santa Fe Hills during WWII, and was discharged from the military on December 10, 1946.  Foster presented Bowman with a Presidential Testimonial Letter, the Merchant Marine Emblem, the Victory Medal and Bar, the Honorable Service Button, and a Pacific War Zone Bar and Medal.

The Victory Medal is awarded to members of the crews of ships who served 30 days or more during the period December 7, 1941 to September 3, 1945. The Pacific War Zone Medal is awarded to officers and men of ships for service during these years in the Pacific War Zone.  The Merchant Marine Emblem is prescribed as an identifying insignia that was issued to all seamen.  The Honorable Service Button is awarded to members of the crews of ships who served for 30 days or more for the period December 7, 1941 to September 3, 1945.  Lastly, the Presidential Testimonial Letter, signed by President Harry Truman, extends the President’s heartfelt thanks to the Merchant Mariners of World War II for their sacrificial service as civilian workers risking their lives in harm’s way.