Paul Allen Cowan

The database page for Paul Allen Cowan

03 Jan 2002 I only knew Paul for a short while. He was in-country for only 4 months when a 144mm rocket, only one, hit the runway at Danang. Paul was riding brakes on an A-6A INTRUDER, heading for the hanger when the alert sounded. He had the farthest to go of the ground crew ... set the brake, climb down from the cockpit, then run across the flight line to shelter. He didn't make it and a piece of shrapnel tore into his chest. A good man, a good Marine and a friend to all who knew him ... Semper Fi, Paul! A memorial from a friend - we served together, John R. Johnston intruder@cape.com

01 Sep 2002 My heart is broken for the entire Cowan Family ... On a wall in my house is a Little League team picture from a 1961 championship team ... In the center, standing, is Paul Cowan. In sports, there was no finer athlete and gentleman. He was a stand-out baseball catcher throughout his school years and lettered every year in Varsity football and baseball ... In a graduating class of over 800, that's no minor feat. Always with top grades, many of us wondered why he didn't go straight to a top university. His only battle was with vision. Incredibly bright, a great sense of humor, super smile and loved by everyone who knew him. I know his family must still be devastated over his loss ... I sure miss him. I flew Army helicopters very near where he was lost, several years later. He lived just up the street from us on Bracken Street. I'd love to share a beer with him today ... Just a neighbor, Fred Thompson (ret CW3 Army, ret LAPD, RVN 70-71) fdtthom@gte.net

15 Dec 2004 I knew LCpl Cowan when VMA-225 was at MCAS Cherry Point prior to their deployment to DaNang. I was saddened to hear of his death many years ago. He was such a good person and a fine Marine. From a fellow Marine, William R. Collins, Major USMC (Retired) E-Mail will be forwarded by the Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a friend - we served together, John R. Johnston intruder@cape.com  3 Jan 2002

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 12/19/2004