The Purple Heart of a Prisoner
By Isa Bohachevsy
William Howe Bodwell
3/29/1925 – 2/17/1991
William Howe Bodwell was born in Waterloo, Iowa on March 29, 1925 [1]. His father, Ross Cuff Bodwell, was born in College Springs, Iowa in 1870, and his mother, Grace Carrier Howe, was born in South Dakota in 1888. Shortly after their marriage in 1915, they moved to Waterloo and remained there for 20 years. Waterloo is best known for its high workforce and the Cedar River. The couple then had their two children: Nancy M. Bodwell, born on July 26, 1922, and William Howe Bodwell. Bodwell would complete his education after graduating from high school, his highest level of schooling. Later in life, Bodwell served as a Corporal in the United States Army during World War II from 1943 to 1945. A Corporal is a non-commissioned officer of the lowest rank who leads troops and ensures soldiers are well-performed and well-kept. Sadly, during this time, he would become a prisoner of war, meaning he was held captive by enemy forces. Once returned, he was awarded a Purple Heart for his services and sacrifices. A Purple Heart signifies those in the Armed Forces who were wounded or killed. Following his honorable service, Bodwell transitioned to civilian life and pursued a career as a fire inspector. In this role, he ensured that buildings met their safety and fire code standards and adhered to regulations to prevent disasters. There is no data concluding whether Bodwell was married. In his later days, he enjoyed gardening, reading, and traveling. Bodwell passed away in Jefferson, Colorado, on February 17, 1991, at the age of 66. No services were held, but he was cremated and remains at Fort Logan National Cemetery, where he is honored among many military veterans.
Footnotes ↓
[1] Materials for this biography can be found on:
www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKVM-QCJ6?lang=en
www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2SZ2-576?lang=en
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