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 David Owens (ASN: 33465403), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 28 March 1945, in Germany. Private First Class Owens and a companion volunteered to provide protection against rocket launcher fire for a tank which was assigned the mission of silencing enemy positions located on the reverse slope of a hill. Private First Class Owens and his companion courageously advanced behind the tank across open, fire-swept terrain, and as the tank came astride the enemy trenches from the flank ran alongside and raked the trenches with automatic rifle fire. The gallant actions of Private First Class Owens were largely responsible for the capture of thirty-two of the enemy and the elimination of the strongpoint. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Owens, 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.