The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Veterinary Corps) John L. Owens, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 19 September 1949 to 31 December 1957.