Order of the Resplendent Banner (AKA Order of the Cloud and Banner), IV Class Commander, Grade IV. Instituted in 1935 (three-piece construction, in silver with blue, white, red and yellow enamels, three red stars on top designating it as IV Class, number stamped "914" on the reverse, measuring 59.5 mm x 60.7 mm inclusive of its integral ring, intact enamels, on its original full-length Grade IV neck ribbon with ties, in its lacquered wooden box of issue with red cloth medal bed, the wooden box in its cardboard box of issue, the exterior of the base and lid with an embroidered fabric design, a label affixed to the lid inscribed "CAPTAIN G.M. BOWMAN, U.", with the latter part of the Navy inscription torn off, a label affixed to the end panel numbered "914" and matching the number on the reverse of the badge, the case measuring 100 mm (w) x 167 mm (h) x 44 mm (d)); China War Memorial Medal (AKA Medal in Commemoration of Victory in the Resistance Against Aggression). Instituted in 1945 (in blackened bronze, numbered "2992" on the reverse, measuring 35.8 mm (w) x 43 mm (h), silvered and blue enameled Republic of China insignia affixed to its original ribbon with pinback, accompanied by its 35.5 mm (w) x 10 mm (h) ribbon bar with silvered and blue enameled Republic of China insignia affixed, plus pinback, both of which are pinned in place to the manufacturer's card which is stamped in red ink "MADE BY KUAN HSING INTERPRISE CO., Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China" on the reverse, plus an independent pin in bronze gilt with red, white and blue enamels, bearing the Republic of China insignia above "CHINA", with vertical pinback, in their cardboard box of issue with foam insert, two labels affixed to the lid, one inscribed "George M. BOWMAN", the other numbered "2992" and matching the number on the reverse of the medal, the box measuring 68 mm (w) x 130 mm (h) x 18.5 mm (d)); and Chinese-American SACO (Sino-American Co-Operative Organization) Veteran's Medal 1942-1945. Instituted in 1975 (three-piece construction, in silvered and gilt metal with red, white and blue enamels, measuring 58.2 mm (w) x 58.8 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, intact enamels, original ribbon with pinback, accompanied by its Miniature Medal in silvered and gilt metal with red, white and blue enamels, measuring 17 mm (w) x 18.3 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, intact enamels, original ribbon suspended from a hanger with a 30 mm long stickpin, along with its 35 mm (w) x 10 mm (h) ribbon bar with pinback and its 17.5 mm (w) x 5.2 mm (h) enameled ribbon bar with pinback, in its hardshelled case of issue, intricately designed printed paper exterior, inside lid in white satin, red felt medal bed, unique upward-facing clasp closure, the case measuring 96 mm (w) x 150 mm (h) x 31.5 mm (d)). Extremely fine.
Footnote: George Monroe Bowman was from Fresno, California and served with the U.S.S. Saratoga during the Second World War. In the rank of Lieutenant Commander with the U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3), he was awarded the Silver Star, by the Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 28, his citation stating: "The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander George Monroe Bowman (NSN: 0-43144), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity and ingenious and determined efforts in effecting emergency repairs in the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), on 31 August 1942, subsequent to a Japanese torpedo attack. He devised and installed under most dangerous and trying circumstances a new electrical hook-up through which power was restored to the ship after being immobilized by the enemy torpedo. His quick action contributed materially in saving the ship from further exposure to almost certain and successful enemy attack. His coolness and determination were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." He later achieved the rank of Captain and for his Second World War service, he was awarded the Order of the Resplendent Banner (AKA Order of the Cloud and Banner), IV Class Commander, Grade IV, along with the China War Memorial Medal (AKA Medal in Commemoration of Victory in the Resistance Against Aggression) by the government of the Republic of China. Upon returning to the United States, he became City Electrical Engineer for the City of Fresno. In regards to the Chinese-American SACO (Sino-American Co-Operative Organization) Veteran's Medal, it was awarded to United States Navy OSS SACO (Sino-American Cooperative Organization) Veterans by the Taiwan (Republic of China) government in 1975. SACO was established during the Second World War, its purpose was the mutual collection of intelligence together, along with other allied nations against Japan. The Office of Strategic Services worked jointly with China to develop SACO. Soldiers in the operation were totally immersed in the culture and trained and operated with Chinese guerrilla forces. These soldiers were charged with the mission of locating landing areas for the USN fleet and General Chennault's 14th Air Force. The medal is considered to be very rare.