THE WALL OF FACES

Roy Howard Bowling, or Hap, as he only liked to be called was my dad. I miss him dearly, and have always felt profound loss that he wasn't physically in my life past the age of 6. He remains alive in our hearts.
He was listed as a prisoner of war for 12 long years. He was shot down when I was in first grade and his body was returned and he was declared dead when I was a senior in high school. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. My mom never moved on in her life, and lives near me now. My two brothers are doing well.
I only came upon this site today, and wanted to add some better photos of my dad and to tell all of you who have posted on here, I appreciate all your kind words.
I'm including one of my favorite photos with my dad.

To MICHELLE VESSELY who commented below. I'm am Roy Bowling's grandson. If you still have the bracelet I would love to gift it to my mother (his only daughter).

DEAR CAPTAIN BOWLING,
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN UNRESTRICTED LINE OFFICER - PILOT FROM THE U.S.S. ORKISKANY. I AM GLAD YOU WERE IDENTIFIED ON MARCH 31, 1977. WELCOME HOME. MONDAY WAS THE 42ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAYAQUEZ INCIDENT - THE LAST BIG BATTLE OF THE WAR BIG SIGH. MEMORIAL DAY IS APPROACHING, BUT ALL DAYS WE SHOULD HONOR YOU. IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS.

I was a child during the Vietnam war, the daughter of a naval officer. I wore CDR Roy Bowling's bracelet and prayed for him and his family while he was MIA/POW. I kept the bracelet all these years because I never knew what had happened to CDR Bowling. Today I thought to google him and found this website. If his wife or children or grandchildren are interested in this bracelet, I would be happy to send it to them. I am ever grateful to those who serve our country and to their families for their sacrifices.

My father was CDR Jesse Taylor one of the A1 pilots who went in to try to rescue Hap after his plane was shot down. They have been forever connected by this event. I want the family to know how proud I am of Hap and his service. May you always continue to always enjoy Fair winds and a Calm sea.