D-Day veteran posthumously awarded Distinguished Service Cross
Staff Sergeant William Owens, a hero of the famous D-Day invasion, was recently posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his courageous actions during the battle near Sainte-Mère-Église in Normandy, France. Owens, who was born in Iowa and served in the 82nd Airborne Division, played a crucial role in holding off German forces and securing the beachhead for the allies during the Normandy invasion.
During the intense three-day battle, Owens and his men fought bravely against overwhelming odds. Despite being outnumbered and facing heavy enemy fire, Owens managed to lead his unit in knocking out four German tanks, killing 275 enemy soldiers, and ultimately stopping the Nazi advance in its tracks. His actions were instrumental in the success of the Normandy invasion and were hailed as a key battle in the Allied campaign against Nazi Germany.
After years of research and lobbying, Owens was finally recognized for his valor in a ceremony where his honors were upgraded to the prestigious Distinguished Service Cross. The ceremony, held alongside the river where Owens had fought so bravely, was attended by his family members, including his youngest daughter Susan Marrow and great-grandson Harris Morales. Both expressed their pride and gratitude for the recognition of Owens’ heroism.
General Christopher Donahue, the commanding general of the U.S. Army in Europe and Africa, praised Owens’ actions as a model of courage and leadership that all soldiers strive to emulate. He emphasized the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by Owens and others who fought in the Normandy invasion, especially in the context of today’s global conflicts.
As the world continues to grapple with turmoil and uncertainty, the legacy of heroes like Staff Sergeant William Owens serves as a reminder of the enduring values of bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice. Owens’ daughter summed up the lessons learned from her father’s actions as simply “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” highlighting the timeless importance of acting with courage and gallantry in the face of danger.
The posthumous honor bestowed upon Staff Sergeant William Owens after 81 years is a testament to his extraordinary bravery and dedication to duty. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to uphold the values of honor, courage, and sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and freedom.
