26 May 1993: Major Robert L. Lowry, a judge advocate assigned to 21st Air Force, confronted an armed intruder who entered the headquarters legal office at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. Major Lowry attempted to calm the deranged individual while staff and clients fled to safety. The son of retired judge advocate Brigadier General Joseph R. Lowry, Major Lowry was murdered by the gunman moments before Security Police arrived and used deadly force to end the standoff. Upon the recommendation of the Air Force Chief of Staff, Major Lowry was awarded the Airman’s Medal for his acts of bravery during the incident. In continuing recognition of his sacrifice, the JAG School presents the Robert L. Lowry Award to a graduate of each JASOC class who best exhibits the highest standards of academic excellence, officership, and esprit de corps during the entire course.
Source: Mr. Wade Scrogham, AF JAG Corps Historian
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