The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Harvey B. Owen (MCSN: 357440), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 21 September 1950. When his squad left the cover afforded by the houses of the village through which they were attacking, and were met with intense hostile fire from well-concealed positions, Sergeant Owen skillfully withdrew his men to the edge of the village and, ordering a base of fire, courageously placed himself in an exposed position in order to draw the enemy’s fire. Quickly locating the hostile weapons, he directed his squad’s fire against them and, although painfully wounded in both legs during the action, resolutely continued his direction and control. By his daring initiative, inspiring leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Sergeant Owen upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.