My Dad and Doolittle's Raid
James Reed Bower displays his father’s cover March 19, 2013, in Denver. “One thing that always stood out to me about my father is how he was always sharp and well dressed in his uniform - not an error about his dress and appearance,” Bower said. His father, Retired Col. Bill Bower, was known for his acts of heroism during the World War II Doolittle Raid on April 18, 1942. Colonel Bower served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Commendation Medal and many others. As the anniversary of the Doolittle Raid nears, the last public reunion for the remaining four living Raiders will be held at Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Colonel Bower retired in 1966 and resided in Boulder, Colo., until his death in 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Darryl Bolden Jr./Released)