Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Joel
Amos
Owens
, Jr.
May 8, 1920

–

January 19, 2008

Born:

Bigheart

, 

Oklahoma

Home:

Bigheart

, 

Oklahoma

Buried: 

Denver

, 

Colorado

Cemetery:

Fort Logan National Cemetery

Joel Owens served in the Oklahoma National Guard from 1936 to 1939, before applying for pilot training in the U.S. Army Air Forces. During World War II he became an ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, first as an enlisted man, and retired in 1972 as a major. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Space and Aeronautics Hall of Fame in 1995, and the Oklahoma Military Academy Hall of Fame in 2003.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    14th Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Joel Amos Owens, Jr. (ASN: 0-417714), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot of the 14th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    14th Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, V Bombardment Wing, General Orders No. 10 March 14, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Joel Amos Owens, Jr. (ASN: 0-417714), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 14th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major 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 Air Forces.