The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private H. J. Owenby (ASN: 34196519), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 5 February 1945. Private Owenby, with bold disregard for his personal safety, voluntarily travelled through a blazing inferno of burning buildings under intense cross fire from enemy machine guns in order to rescue two wounded comrades who were unable to escape the spreading fire. He made two trips over the same perilous route and succeeded in assisting the men to positions from which litter teams could evacuate them. On the second trip, while Private Owenby was waiting for the arrival of litter bearers, an enemy machine gun started to harass the evacuation route. Private Owenby immediately moved to a position away from the wounded man, and aimed a steady volume of rifle fire at the hostile emplacement. This diverted the enemy’s fire in his direction and made possible the safe evacuation of the wounded man. Private Owenby was later fatally wounded in action against the enemy at. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.