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Earle C. Bowers Jr. attended college for two years and was a bookkeeper.

He volunteered for the Army of the United States at Fort Bliss, Texas on 9 january 1942.

Lt Bowers arrived in France on 10 June 1944 as a Ranger Battalion replacement. He was assigned to the 119th Infantry Regiment of the 30th Infantry Division about 16 June 1944. Later he was promoted to captain.

Extract of the After Action Report: It is reported that on 27 September 1944 a seven man patrol went through the Siegfried Line (In the vicinity of the Wurm river, South of Rimburg). The patrol had traveled 1.000 yards in front of the company's position when it encounterd enemy pillboxes. One man returned to the company to secure demolitions. While he was gone, the patrol was pinned down by enemy machine gun fire. When this was discovered two
remaining men, the one who had gone for the demolitions and the one who was guarding the river crossing, returned to the company for additional help in order to retain contact with the patrol. In a effort to help the trapped men it is believed that the C Company Commander Capt Earle C. Bowers Jr was killed, the trapped men were never reached, and despite a thorough search, no trace of them was found.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions on 15 August 1944. The citation cited: Lt Bowers was assigned to duty with an infantry force engaged in extremely bitter fighting with the enemy. The enemy was desperately trying to break through our lines and divide our forces. A violent concentration of enemy mortar and artillery fire fell in the area, causing some of our troops to break in disorder and threaten to withdraw in confusion. Sensing at once the implications of the situation, Lt Bowers ran to the endangered area and by his exemplary leadership, stopped their withdrawal and led them back to their positions, thereby alleviating a serious threat to the operations. The personal courage, and heroic leadership exhibited by Lt Bowers reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.