THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC John Lewis Bowen, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

I was stationed at Ft. Ord, Ca and got called into the Battalion Commanders' office. At the time I was the Company Commander HQ/4/1, he told me I was to drive to King City and let the Bowen's know about theirs sons passing. It was the hardest assignment I ever had. But, it, also, became a blessing, because I became very close to the family and am to this day. Mr. Bowen and wife and the kids were and are wonderful people. Mr. Bowen passed a couple of years ago, but, I am still close to one of his daughters, Bonnie. Have stayed at their house and can't say enough about Bonnie and her husband John. Awesome people.
So from the heart breaking loss to becoming good friends was wonder journey.

I was just a kid in 1969, living three doors down from the Bowen family on Carlson street in king city. I was aware of John because he was the big kid on the street and I was in awe when he went off to fight for us. The news of his death was my first realization of the devastation war brings. I saw it in his family - the grief spread like a wave down the street. Even though, in the years between then and now, I have known many now deceased veterans, he is the first I instinctively think about each Memorial Day. He will always be the big man on my street, my earliest demonstration of courage and sacrifice. I was still a boy when we left the town and have no idea what has become of his family, but I wish them the best and to know of the impact his death and their loss is remembered after all these years.

He is my brother, my best friend growing up. He protected me, gave me advice, listened, entertained me by singing or, playing the piano, what he called the 'Boogy Woogy'. He played any musical instrument you gave him. My dad handed him the pick to his Fender Stell Guitar and when John played it my dad walked out of the room, evidently the stell guitar is very difficult to master. He was a terrific pitcher for the High School Mustangs. John had lots of friends and wasis loved by many.

Every day you are missed so much.