The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] John W. Owens (ASN: 6249472), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 29 January 1945, in the vicinity of Jebsheim, France. Sergeant Owens courageously led his squad within fifty yards of an enemy concrete pillbox, attacking with anti-tank rockets and grenades. Under intense machine pistol, machine gun and mortar fire Sergeant Owens, with another squad leader, led the final assault which reduced the pillbox and killed its entire garrison of fifteen enemy. His outstanding leadership and gallantry are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.