The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert W. Owens (MCSN: 0-18498), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer and subsequently Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 to 27 February 1945. Although seriously wounded during landing operations, First Lieutenant Owens aided in reorganizing his men in the face of Japanese mortar, rocket and artillery fire before permitting himself to be evacuated. Voluntarily leaving his evacuation ship six days later, he returned to his company, assumed command, and led his men in cleaning the East Boat Basin of hostile forces, subsequently deploying his units to drive the enemy from the promontory which commanded the force beachhead. Making a personal reconnaissance of the area to his front on 26 February, he established his company’s defensive position, supervised the evacuation of casualties and the flow of supplies over the difficult terrain and, on the following day, continued his attack until he was again wounded and evacuated. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.