The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Elmer E. Owen (ASN: ER-57505309), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 31 March 1951, near Anhung-ni, Korea, Corporal Owen’s platoon was occupying defensive positions when it was attacked by an enemy force which threatened to overrun the area. Corporal Owen, acting as gunner of a machine gun, and his assistant gunner moved their weapon to a position that flanked the enemy and began to pour devastating fire upon him, forcing him to withdraw beyond grenade range. Though the machine gun position was exposed to severe counter fire, Corporal Owen and the assistant gunner remained in position, knocking out an enemy machine gun and an automatic rifle, thus preventing their use against friendly units. At a critical point in the battle, the two were told that they could withdraw but they refused, insisting they could better turn the tide of battle in their present position. Corporal Owen’s gallant and daring actions were instrumental in containing the enemy attack and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.