World War II Honoree

R. A. Owens

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Keo, Arkansas

Honored By

Robert S. Cox

SERVED AS A CONSTRUCTION MACHINE OPERATOR IN THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER WITH THE 1398TH ENGINEER CONSTRUCTION BATTALION. PARTICIPATED IN THE RYUKYUS AND WESTERN PACIFIC CAMPAIGNS. HIS BATTALION WAS STATIONED ON SAIPAN IN THE MARIANA ISLANDS IN 1944-45. PARTICIPATED IN COMBAT OPERATIONS AT OKINAWA IN THE RYUKYU ISLANDS BEGINNING APRIL 6, 1945. HIS UNIT WAS ON OKINAWA WHEN THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED THE UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER TERMS ON AUGUST 14, 1945. AWARDED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE SERVICE STARS, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, AND ARMY OF OCCUPATION MEDAL WITH ‘JAPAN’ CLASP. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AND ISSUED THE HONORABLE SERVICE LAPEL BUTTON.