Robert A. Owens
Robert Allen Owens | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 13, 1920 |
| Died | November 1, 1943 (aged 23) |
| Place of burial | Manila American Cemetery (initially at the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps Cemetery Bougainville) |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Service years | 1942–1943 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division |
| Conflicts | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Navy Cross Purple Heart |
Sergeant Robert Allen Owens (September 13, 1920 – November 1, 1943) was a United States Marine who was killed in action in the Pacific campaign of World War II. He was posthumously awarded his nation's highest military award — the Medal of Honor — for his heroic actions on his first day in combat at Bougainville. The commanding general of the 3rd Marine Division described Owens' heroism — "Among many brave acts on the beachhead of Bougainville, no other single act saved the lives of more of his comrades or served to contribute so much to the success of the landings."