The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Watertender First Class Thomas Marvin Owen (NSN: 2619611), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a member of the crew on board the Destroyer U.S.S. BUTLER (DD-636), during operations against the enemy at Okinawa Gunto, on 25 May 1945. As a Petty Officer in charge of a seriously damaged fireroom aboard his ship, and although badly wounded, Watertender First Class Owen secured the main steam lines and went up through a head of scalding steam and threw open the hatch through which his comrades were able to escape. His heroic conduct performed in spite of great injury to himself, his devotion to duty and his initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.