Memorials › Elmer Eugene "Gene" Owen
Elmer Eugene "Gene" Owen
2 Mar 1930 – 22 Nov 2017
| Birth | 2 Mar 1930 |
| Death | 22 Nov 2017 |
| Cemetery | Fairview Cemetery Scottsbluff , Scotts Bluff County , Nebraska , USA |
| Added by | No Guts, No Glory on 27 Nov 2017 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/185499247 |
Bio
OWEN, ELMER EUGENE Ocala - Gene passed away in Ocala, FL on November 22, 2017 with his loving wife of 64 years by his side. Gene was born on March 2, 1930, in Minatare, Nebraska, to Elmer and Thelma Irene (Tinkler) Owen. In 1947 after graduating from high school in Grand Island, Nebraska, Gene enlisted in the United States Army. He served eleven months in Korea, mostly in combat. Gene was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with V device for Valor and two Purple Hearts. The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Elmer E. Owen (ASN: ER-57505309), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 31 March 1951, near Anhung-ni, Korea, Corporal Owen's platoon was occupying defensive positions when it was attacked by an enemy force which threatened to overrun the area. Corporal Owen, acting as gunner of a machine gun, and his assistant gunner moved their weapon to a position that flanked the enemy and began to pour devastating fire upon him, forcing him to withdraw beyond grenade range. Though the machine gun position was exposed to severe counter fire, Corporal Owen and the assistant gunner remained in position, knocking out an enemy machine gun and an automatic rifle, thus preventing their use against friendly units. At a critical point in the battle, the two were told that they could withdraw but they refused, insisting they could better turn the tide of battle in their present position. Corporal Owen's gallant and daring actions were instrumental in containing the enemy attack and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service. The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" to Sergeant Elmer E. Owen (ASN: ER-57505309), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 July 1951, during an engagement with the enemy on Hill 717 near Sobang-san, Korea, strong hostile fire pinned the company down and it was subsequently ordered to withdraw. Sergeant Owens, a member of the Third Platoon, noticing a wounded man lying in an exposed position about 50 yards away, ran to his assistance. Quickly lifting the man who was wounded too severely to walk, he carried him through the bullet-swept terrain to safety. Later in the engagement Sergeant Owens made numerous trips carrying hand grenades to the top of the hill where close combat prevailed. Sergeant Owen's exemplary and heroic performance of duty during this hazardous action reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. After returning from Korea, Gene resumed his education at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he attained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation from the University in 1955 Gene started work with The Boeing Company in Wichita, Kansas. During his 37 years with the company, his assignments supported the B-47 and the B-52 bomber programs. In 1962, he went to Huntsville, AL, and was involved with Werner van Braun and his team of German scientists who developed the Saturn V launch vehicle which put a man on the moon. Later, he moved to California and worked with Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Cal Tech) on unmanned space programs. After successful launches on these programs, he moved to Seattle, WA. He was involved in several military programs before moving to Denver, CO, as Business Manager on a proprietary company program. He retired from The Boeing Company in 1992. Gene and his wife relocated to Ocala in 1996. Gene enjoyed flying his own aircraft, traveling, and golf. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Ocala; the Robert Furnas Masonic Lodge, Scottsbluff, NE; Life Member of the Elks Club; Clan Shaw Society; Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association; University of Nebraska Alumni Association; 7th Infantry Regiment Association and Ocala National Golf Club (formerly Golden Hills Golf and Turf Club).
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