By BRUCE SMITH
Associated Press
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (AP) - A Korean War vet has had his dying wish fulfilled by walking the decks of the destroyer he served on during the war 60 years ago.
Gerald Bowman of Elkins, Ark., returned Friday to visit the USS Laffey at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant.
The 82-year-old Bowman has been diagnosed with advanced heart disease and has been told he has less than a year to live. Bowman and his daughter learned the Laffey was at the museum when they saw television coverage of its return after undergoing repairs last year.
Bowman fought back tears from time to time as he walked the decks and showed reporters where he worked in the Laffey engine room during three tours off Korea.
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