The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert E. Owens (ASN: 35071373), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 25 January 1945, near Neubourg, France. Private Owens was serving as a member of a combat patrol on 25 January 1945 near Neubourg, when he was fired upon by enemy machine gun less than ten yards away, part of the burst passing through his clothing. Instantly bringing up his rifle, he killed the gunner and two other members of the machine gun squad, silencing the gun. After emptying his rifle at the other enemy troops in the vicinity, Private Owens dropped to his knees, reloaded and continued to fire until all of the enemy were killed, wounded, or captured. As a result of the quick thinking, outstanding skill, and extraordinary coolness under fire exhibited by Private Owens, an enemy machine gun was put out of action, three Germans killed, one was wounded, and nine were captured.