A 91-year-old World War II veteran has been honored in Rhode Island for his service.
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed held a ceremony Friday at Cranston Public library for James Dowling. The Rhode Island Democrat presented Dowling with medals he earned but never received for his service, including the World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
Dowling, of Cranston, enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. He was stationed in Hawaii on an aircraft carrier in 1943 and soon became a member of a six-man crew on a Navy patrol bombing squadron known as the ``Blue Raiders.''
The team compiled the best composite combat record of all U.S Navy squadrons in World War II. Dowling returned to Providence after completing his service in 1947.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
