World War II Honoree

Robert Gordon Owens, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Greenville, South Carolina

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

In July 1941, he was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Oahu and participated in the patrolling of Pearl Harbor. During the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he participated in the defense of the island. He then joined the newly activated Marine Fighting Squadron 215 and he assumed command of the squadron. He led his unit to Midway Atoll and conducted air patrols for allied shipping for two months. He then participated in air strikes against Japanese bases in the northern Solomon Islands, New Georgia, and the Bismarck Archipelago. His squadron also provided air cover for the landings at Empress Augusta Bay on Bougainville. In January 1944, he led his squadron during aerial combat over Rabaul, New Guinea and personally shot down seven Japanese aircraft and his plane was shot down. He was rescued. Became a flying ace for shooting down seven Japanese aircraft and received the Navy Cross. He also received five awards of Distinguished Flying Cross, eleven Air Medals and Purple Heart for his wounds. Following the surrender of Japan in August 1945, he joined the staff of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 321 and participated in the occupation of Japan.