Captain Arthur Lentz Colwin, USAAF

[BruceMk11]

This officer served in the PTO and was awarded a Bronze Star. Any details regarding the circumstances of his award would be of interest.

TIA,
Bruce

[RSwank]

The name of Arthur L Colwin, O-922694, appears in a file on fold3.com called the “314th Bomb Wing History 1944-1946”. The unit was based on Guam.

Colwin is listed with a MOS of 1042. A google search turns up:
In the military, MOS 1042 refers to a "Personal Equipment Officer," meaning their primary responsibility is managing and overseeing the distribution of personal equipment to soldiers within their unit, including clothing, gear, and protective equipment.
• Focus on personal gear:
This MOS is specifically concerned with individual soldier equipment, not large-scale weaponry or vehicles.
• Inventory management:
A key duty is to maintain accurate records of personal equipment, ensuring soldiers have the necessary items and that supplies are properly accounted for.
• Fitting and distribution:
They may be involved in fitting soldiers for gear, issuing new equipment, and managing repairs or replacements.
• Logistics coordination:
May coordinate with supply units to ensure timely delivery of personal equipment.


The New York Times Obit: https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/21/n...n-process.html

Nothing on the awarding of the bronze star in the unit history.

[BruceMk11]

Nothing on the awarding of the bronze star in the unit history.

Perhaps a bronze campaign star mix-up. Nevertheless, thanks for the look-up.

[Leendert]

He was (314th) Wing Personal Equipment Officer in late war 1945 as stated in MACR 14943: see https://catalog.archives.gov/id/91160260?objectPage=5

Award card here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1481...ect-thumb--574

Regards, Leendert

[Leendert]

Colwin is also mentioned in a personal letter: https://digitalarchives.powerlibrary...wlsn-wwii_1289.

Leendert

[RSwank]

Interesting about Colwin. Looks like the Bronze Star may have come in 1946.

Daily Censorship Duties was rotated among senior officers and Colwin's name comes up every so often in the Wing history on Fold3.

[R Leonard]

One did not have to get shot at, nor shoot at anyone, to be awarded the bronze star medal; it was also awarded for meritorious service in support of combat operations.

[BruceMk11]

Thanks for your combined input.

Cheers,
Bruce