HARLAND R. BOWDEY, ENS, USN
Harland Bowdey '44
Lucky Bag
From the 1944 Lucky Bag:
Harland Robert Bowdey
Rochester, New York
Bob was an ardent disciple of the famous scientist who said, "Men, it's all relative." Hailing from the fair "state" of Rochester, New York, he entered the Academy just two weeks out of high school. He ran into a little difficulty with Math his first year, but has since managed to keep the necessary two steps ahead of the Academic Departments. Plebes were his best friends. All he asked of them was that they observe their rates and keep well braced-up. The midnight oils burned brightly while he wrote his nightly letters to his "O.A.O." He is certain to be at the head of the wedding line come graduation.
The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Harland Robert Bowdey
Rochester, New York
Bob was an ardent disciple of the famous scientist who said, "Men, it's all relative." Hailing from the fair "state" of Rochester, New York, he entered the Academy just two weeks out of high school. He ran into a little difficulty with Math his first year, but has since managed to keep the necessary two steps ahead of the Academic Departments. Plebes were his best friends. All he asked of them was that they observe their rates and keep well braced-up. The midnight oils burned brightly while he wrote his nightly letters to his "O.A.O." He is certain to be at the head of the wedding line come graduation.
The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Loss
From Find A Grave:
Husband of Norine Alma Bowdey who resided in the District Of Columbia during the war.
Harland served as an Ensign on the destroyer U.S.S. Bristol (DD-453), U.S. Navy during World War II.
He resided at 791 Atlantic Avenue, Rochester, Monroe County, New York prior to the war. He was a class of 1944 grad of the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1943.
The Bristol, while escorting a convoy to Oran, Algeria, was struck on the port side at the forward engine room by a single torpedo from U-boat U-371 commanded by Waldemar Mehl. The Bristol was broken in half by the single explosion and sank. The Bristol suffered the loss of 52 of her crew.
Harland was declared "Missing In Action" in this attack during the war.
He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Service # O-283319
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Nicknamed “Bos” in East High School, Harland graduated No. 28 in 1939: H. R. Basketball 1, 2, 3; Spanish Club 2, 3, 4; Fencing Club 2, 3, 4; H. R. Baseball 3; Usher for Graduation Jan. ’38; June ’38; Usher for Frolics 3; Orient Staff 4. Future: U. S. Naval Academy. His brother Floyd graduated in 1940 and was to attend the Coast Guard Academy. Father was Lamera, a toolmaker, mother Harriet, brother Wesley.
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