Death date: Dec 14, 2017
Lt. Col. Bruce T. Kowalski (Ret) died on December 14, 2017 after a brief illness. Bruce is survived by his children, Christopher, Matthew (Emily), Erica, Anthony and his mother Mary. Bruce is a veteran of the United States Marine Read Obituary
Bruce and I were Commanders together serving in the 1stBn (REIN) 12th Marines in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
He was a brother and a friend!!!
I just learned of Bruce’s passing and was truly shocked, saddened, and shed a few tears for a Great Marine Officer, True American Patriot, Wonderful Human Being, and Friend upon discovering this news from Strongsville,OH. I had been searching for Bruce the past three years in hopes of locating him so we could finally get together and recall some of the many stories about the life & times in India and Mike Batteries of 3rd Bn,10th Marines Artillery Regiment at Camp Lejeune, NC. Weeks ago, I made a trip down to the National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC) from Springfield, VA, and ran into one of our former Mike Battery Commanders, LtCol Robert J. Sullivan, USMC (Ret.) who is the Chief Curator at the NMMC. LtCol Sullivan took me to see the M198, 155mm Towed Howitzer, which fired the first shot during Operation Desert Shield/Storm, from the Battery Bruce had Commanded then, Fox Battery, 2nd Bn,12th Marines Artillery Regiment from Camp Pendleton, CA. I guess LtCol Sullivan also didn't know of Bruce’s passing, as he did not even mention it to me as we looked at this wonderfully restored and historically significant piece of Marine Corps History. Years ago, I found a story regarding this Howitzer, it’s historical significance, the Battery it had come from, and how it was being restored at that time, and how it would eventually find a place of honor there at the NMMC where it could be on display for all Americans and visitors to see. When I read just who had been commanding Fox Battery at the time, I knew I would be seeing Bruce again, but this time at the NMMC for an unveiling ceremony once all the work was completed for this portion of the museum. You could probably understand my shock in just learning of Bruce’s 14 December 2017 passing during a routine search of the internet just after having located another friend’s address and then once again attempting to locate Bruce’s address and phone number, but discovering his obituary instead. It will take quite some time for me to get over Bruce’s passing, as I don’t want to believe he is gone from this Life Here On Earth, as I was looking forward to seeing him again and listening to all of his new stories, as well as re-hashing all of the old ones. I served with Bruce Kowalski in India and Mike Batteries during 1981-83, when we were Lieutenants, serving under Battery Commanders: Capt TJ Nielsen,Capt LG Fulton,Capt DD Woodson, & Capt RJ Sullivan. In Mike Battery when he was the Exec Off and I was the Asst Exec Off, I never learned more from any other Officer or Peer in my 21 yrs of Active Duty in the Marine Corps & the Army National Guard Active Guard Reserve (AGR). He was one of the best Marine Corps Officers and Artillery Officers our Great Corps and Country will ever come to know and one of the most competent and experienced officers, who knew just how to take care of the Marines in his charge, Officers and Enlisted. Our Great Country and the United States Marine Corps, his Family & Friends will miss having him here in Life we all share together Here On Earth, but we will all be reunited again once God decides our lives Here On Earth are through & I am really looking forward to seeing Bruce T. Kowalski again. May you rest in peace, my Red-Leg Brother In Arms and King of Battle, “Semper Fi!”, thanks for all the sacrifices you and your Family have made over the years so all Americans may continue living our American Way of Life in the Freedoms and Liberties we all enjoy today, but only because of the sacrifices of those, like you and your Family Members, who have served our Great Country and Corps so well. See you on the other side, once God decides my Life Here On Earth Is Through. May God always shine brightly in yours & your Family’s Hearts and Souls and may He always watch over each of you in Heaven and on Earth, and then into Eternity. Sent with an Extremely Heavy Heart, Kenneth D Curry III, LTC, FA, USA (Retired) (2ndLt.-Capt. USMCR (1979-1987);CPT-LTC ARNG AGR (1987-2006)
Served under Lt. Col Kowalski, when he was the CO of Fox Btry 2/12. Could not find a finer officer. Thank you for your leadership Sir. Rest In Peace Sir!! We have your watch. Semper Fi.
My belated condolence to the family. God promises us, in his word the Bible, that our loved ones who have died will live again on a peaceful new earth. There is nothing I can say to take away your pain, but I hope the following half-page Bible based article will bring you a source of comfort in learning you can see Bruce again. Type the following urls into your browser: tinyurl.com/mezwv23 and tinyurl.com/jyp4yl4 to learn more about this Bible based promise.
Wow! I'm saddened by the loss of another warrior. I served with this amazing Marine Officer and true Leader of Marines in 2nd ANGLICO and then again in 1st Bn 12 Marines. You will be missed, but never forgotten. Semper Fidelis, Bruce.
Capt Bruce Kowalski was a true professional in every since of the word.
Semper Fi and God Bless !!!
I served with then Capitan Kowalski. He was a fine officer and man and will be deeply missed.
Semper Fidelis.
I served with Bruce at 2nd ANGLICO and the Naval Amphibious School at Little Creek VA. I am enriched by my association with a flamboyant, larger-than-life Marine who always inspired respect and enthusiasm from those around him. As a junior Lieutenant, I was in awe of the experience and panache he brought to any environment. The world is diminished with your passing. I'll see you again in Valhalla; Semper Fi
When I served with Bruce, he was a Captain and we were at Little Creek, VA. He was a very intelligent and meticulous man. Fun loving but dedicated to what he did and was very good at it. I like ves working for him. I know he will be missed. The world lost a great man. God bless you, Bruce. Rest easy, we have the watch. Semper Fi Brother.
