SILVER STAR CITATION

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Owen C. Sheen (MCSN: 338605), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Rifle Squad, serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 3 March 1945. With his squad pinned down by shattering small-arms fire emanating from two well-concealed hostile pillboxes, Corporal Sheen voluntarily pressed forward against the withering barrage to conduct a lone reconnaissance and, after locating the emplacements, returned to organize an attack. Boldly charging ahead of his squad, he led an aggressive strike against the strong point, personally destroying the initial pillbox with his accurately placed grenades before he was fatally struck down while assisting in the destruction of the other. By his superb leadership, valiant fighting spirit and cool courage maintained in the face of tremendous odds, Corporal Sheen contributed materially to the success of the bitterly fought Iwo campaign and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.