World War II Honoree

Charles Edward Owens

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Kings Mountain, North Carolina

Honored By

Avis O. Morrow, Carolyn O. Evans & Audrey O. Howell

Relationship

Daughters

RECEIVED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, PHILIPPINE LIBERATION RIBBON WITH 1 BRONZE SERVICE STAR AMERICAL DIVISION, AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 3 BRONZE STARS AND COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE. AMERICAL DIVISION IS THE ONLY DIVISION IN COMBAT TO BE DESIGNATED BY NAME RATHER THAN NUMBER AND WAS THE FIRST AMERICAN ARMY UNIT TO PARTICIPATE IN OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS AGAINST THE JAPANESE. IT WAS DURING THE BITTER BATTLE FOR 'NIP' GAP THAT HE DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF. WHILE LAYING WIRE TO THE COMPANIES OF HIS REGIMENT, HE AND HIS WIRE CREW WERE SUDDENLY HALTED BY ENEMY SNIPER FIRE. KNOWING THAT COMMUNICATION WAS ESSENTIAL, HE PICKED UP THE COIL AND MADE A DASH THROUGH WITHERING SNIPER FIRE TO THE COMPANY COMMAND POST. TWO DAYS LATER HIS REGIMENT MADE A SURPRISE ENCIRCLEMENT MOVEMENT AND COMPLETELY ANNIHILATED THE JAPANESE AT 'NIP' GAP.