Scope and Contents

Approximately four linear feet of maps, articles, awards, certificates, military records, and photographs that document Thomas E. Bowen's service in the United States Army as a helicopter pilot with the 121st Aviation Company in Soc Trang in 1965. The materials are dated predominately from 1963-1971.

Biographical / Historical

Thomas E. Bowen was born in Marion, Ohio on March 29th, 1940. He volunteered for the United States Navy in 1958 and in 1964 for United States Army Flight Training. He served for a total of twenty years including the reserves and one year in Southeast Asia. Bowen was assigned to the 121st Aviation Company in Soc Trang, Vietnam as a Chief Warrant Officer and held the positions of gunship pilot, armament officer, customs officer, and trophy room officer. He also served in the United States Navy Aviation Branch as an aerial photographer and aviation electrician. He was also stationed in Ft. Wolters, Texas. He received multiple awards including an army commendation medal, a distinguished flying cross, and an air medal. Bowen retired in 1982 as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. After his service he worked as an aerospace engineer, a commercial pilot, and a test pilot.