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Owens, Robert Gordon, Jr.

Date of birth:
February 13th, 1917 (Greenville/South Carolina, United States)
Date of death:
October 31st, 2007
Service number:
0-6308
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Marine Fighting Squadron 215 (VMF-215), Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer and a Pilot of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VMF-215), Marine Air Group FOURTEEN (MAG-14), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago Areas, from 5 January 1944 to 15 February 1944. A brilliant leader and aggressive airman, Major Owens executed numerous combat missions against the enemy, frequently in the face of heavy hostile antiaircraft fire and strong aerial opposition. While carrying out these vital assignments during this period, he shot down seven enemy aircraft and probably destroyed five others. Maintaining his squadron at the peak of combat readiness through an efficient training schedule for pilots, he contributed materially to the outstanding success of his squadron in inflicting extensive losses upon the enemy and in providing effective fighter cover for our bombers. By his valiant leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Major Owens upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded with "BASE" clasp.
American Defence Service Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded with four bronze campaign stars.
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded with "ASIA" clasp
Navy Occupation Service Medal
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Awarded with a bronze campaign star.
National Defense Service Medal (NDSM)
Period:
Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Awarded with a bronze campaign star.
Vietnam Service Medal (VSM)

Sources

  • Photo 1: Bill Gonyo
  • - Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present

Photo