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 Corporal [then Private First Class] Richard Keith Owens (ASN: RA-19253111), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 September 1950 in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. On that date during an attack on Hill 189, his platoon was pinned down by fire from an enemy machine gun. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he voluntarily led a squad in the attack and secured a firm position on the hill. He then advanced alone and assaulted the enemy emplacement by directing fire upon it with his automatic rifle. Because of his quick thinking and accuracy, the emplacement was quickly neutralized, the three enemy who were occupying it being killed. Following this action he ran to the top of the hill and covered the advance of the rest of the platoon, enabling his squad to secure the high ground. By his gallant leadership and heroic determination on this occasion, Corporal Owens was instrumental in the success of his platoon’s accomplishing its mission and fully upheld the highest traditions of the military service.