William H. Owen, Jr.
Major, U.S. Army

In October 1944, Major William H. Owen, Jr. was serving with the 91st Coast Artillery Regiment, Philippine Scouts, U.S. Army while he was a Prisoner of War at Cabanatuan No. 1, one of the worst POW facilities in the Philippines. MAJ Owen’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism while imprisoned earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Major (Coast Artillery Corps) William H. Owen, Jr. (ASN: 0-220618), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 91st Coast Artillery Regiment, Philippine Scouts, in action against enemy forces during World War II. Major Owen's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Memorialization

The remains of Major William H. Owen, Jr. have never been recovered. He is memorialized by having his name inscribed on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56780017/william-h-owen