SP4 – E4 – United States Army



64C30 - Motor Transport Operator
Tour began on May 21, 1971
18 Years Old
Downs, Kansas
April 13, 1953 to October 17, 1971

Woody and Marilyn Harris remember Harry...

Harry Bowles served for just a very short time, but long enough to have an impacting
memory for my husband, who for all these years referred to Harry as "the boy with the
baby face."  He was thought of as being so much younger and looking so much younger
than the rest on their barge.  Woody tried to protect Harry while on guard duty and when
Harry was found down river, it really affected him and the scares are as prevelant as the
day when it happened.  Woody totally blocked out his face until I searched and found
him and then a photo.  Woody has guilt that he should have protected him more and failed.
We just visited The Wall for the third time this Easter.  It has taken Woody all this time to go
to see this until two yers ago when visiting for the first time.  Woody was taken from a very
isolated rural small town as most were, and raised not to harm others or their things and
that makes it harder when you know what you did and had to do.  My husband was the
5th son in one family to have to serve his country.  I knew him before the service and after
and still with him just trying to figure it all out, and you can't unless you were in war, so I
just listen and cry, and cry for all those who did not make it home and for the ones who have
not been recovered.  I have a lot of respect for our troops and support them 100%, although
I may not understand why they are in that situation, I support them 100%.  Thanks for this
wonderful and beautiful web site!

A veteran leaves a message for Harry...

I grew up in Norton, KS and served near Quang Tri in 1970.  I did not know Harry
Bowles but certainly know where Downs is.  My mother and one of my 4 sisters still
live in Norton and I have sisters in Hays and Wichita.  I surf this site from time to
time if for no other reason than to remind myself how lucky I am and how brave
those that didn't come back were.

I knew my share of guys who are on the wall and it is always good to remember them.

If you would like to post your remembrance
about Harry, please click here .