Academic and Career Accomplishments
Born in 1917 to Katharyn (Marsh) and Harold Bower in White Memorial Hospital, Ravenna, Ohio, William M. Bower grew to manhood in his beloved hometown. William attended the Chestnut Street School, Highland Avenue School and Ravenna High School where he graduated in 1934. Thereafter, he attended Hiram College and Kent State University. While still in college he became a member of the 197th Cavalry and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. after graduating from the U.S. Army Air Force Flying School in 1940. He flew many missions with the 17th and 37th Bombardment Squadrons. He volunteered and was selected to accompany J.H. Doolittle on the highly secret mission involving sixteen B-25’s launched from the USS Hornet to attack Tokyo, Japan on April 18, 1942. Following that historical flight, William returned to the United States to assume command of the 428th Bombardment Squadron before leaving for Africa and the European Theatre of War where he served until September, 1945 as commanding officer. Colonel Bower’s esteemed career included the command of Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, Georgia before retirement in 1966. He leads an active retirement life participating in many volunteer, charity and philanthropic groups. Ravenna will always remember the part their own Colonel Bower played in World History.