Sergeant Robert A. Owens
United States Marine Corps

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Third Marines, Third Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during extremely hazardous landing operations at Cape Torokina, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 1 November 1943. Forced to pass within disastrous range of a strongly protected, well camouflaged Japanese 75-mm Regimental Gun strategically located on the beach, our landing units were suffering heavy losses in casualities and boats while attempting to approach the beach and the success  of the operations  was seriously threatened. Observing the eneffectiveness o Marine rifle and grenade attacks the incessant, devastating fire of the enemy weapon and aware of the urgent need for prompt action, Sergeant Owens unhesitatingly determined to charge the gun bunker from the front and, calling on four of his comrades to assist him, carefully placed them to cover the fire of two adjacent hostile bunkers. Choosing a moment that provided a fair opportunity for passing these bunkers, he immediately charged into the mouth of the steadily firing cannon and entered the emplacement through the fire port, driving th gun crew out of the rear door and insuring their destruction before he, himself was killed. Indomitable and aggressive in the face of almost certain death, Sergeant Owens silenced a powerfull  gun which was of inestimanble value to the Japanese defense and, by his brilliant initiative and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice, contributed immeasuraly to the success of the vital landed operations. His valiant conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Harry S. Truman
President of the United States

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