The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Warren Owens (ASN: 0-811242), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 840th Bombardment Squadron, 483d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 18 July 1944, Lieutenant Owens participated in a bombing mission against a vitally important enemy airdrome in Germany. On the bombing run his formation was aggressively attacked by approximately two hundred enemy fighters and in the ensuing engagement Lieutenant Owens’ aircraft sustained severe damage rendering it extremely difficult to control. Despite the continued heavy enemy opposition, together with the crippled condition of his aircraft, displaying outstanding courage and determination, he skillfully maintained control of his aircraft, bringing it through for a highly successful bombing run, inflicting grave damage to enemy installations. Forced to drop from the protective formation with one engine rendered inoperative, his aircraft was again attacked by large numbers of enemy fighters. With outstanding combat proficiency and airmanship, he successfully enabled his gunners to beat off repeated attacks, and then brought his stricken ship through to base for a safe landing without further damage to his aircraft or injury to the crew. By his outstanding gallantry, professional skill and intense devotion to duty, as evidenced throughout his combat career, Lieutenant Owens had reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.