Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Joseph
Owens
December 22, 1887

–

January 21, 1976

Cemetery:

Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    109th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    August 20, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 4 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain (Infantry) John J. Owens, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Captain Owens distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Fismette, France, 20 August 1918, in refusing to be evacuated although severely gassed.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    109th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    August 12 – 19, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 49 (1922)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Joseph Owens, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Fismette, France, August 12 – 19, 1918. While occupying the town with his company, and although it was continuously under shellfire, machine-gun fire, and deluged with gas, Lieutenant Owens displayed the highest order of courage, resolution, and leadership in holding the town against repeated attacks for six days, and though badly gassed remained with it until the company was relieved.