James Bartholomew Gowen, Brigadier General, United States Army

James Bartholomew Gowen
Brigadier General, United States Army

Growing up in New York City, James Bartholomew Gowen knew as a child he wanted to attend West Point. He entered the class of 1898 at the age of 21 and, being older than most of his classmates, was allowed to attend Catholic mass without parental permission.

“Jimmy” participated in the war with Spain, serving in both Cuba and the Philippine Insurrection.

During World War I he fought on both French and British fronts and received the Purple Heart.

Gowen taught at and attended the Army War College and commanded the 29th Infantry from 1925 to 1927. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1929 and was the Commanding General of the 1st and 11th Field Artillery Brigades as well as the 21st Infantry Brigade.

General Gowen retired in 1936. He died on 9 August 1958 at Walter Reed Army Hospital at age 85.

JB Gowen USMA PHOTO

JB Gowen Gravesite PHOTO
Photo Courtesy of Russell C. Jacobs, October 2006

GOWEN, JAMES B
BG US ARMY
VETERAN SERVICE DATES: 01/01/1898 - 09/30/1936
DATE OF BIRTH: 09/25/1872
DATE OF DEATH: 08/09/1958
DATE OF INTERMENT: 08/12/1958
BURIED AT: SECTION 30 SITE 1095 RH
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

GOWEN, HELENE B WIDOW OF JAMES BARTHOLOW
DATE OF BIRTH: 03/21/1878
DATE OF DEATH: 08/09/1970
DATE OF INTERMENT: 08/12/1970
BURIED AT: SECTION 30 SITE 1095 LH
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

WIFE OF JB GOWEN, BG U SA
Posted: 7 September 2006 Updated: 24 September 2006 Updated: 18 October 2006

Purple Heart Medal