The family of Staff Sergeant William Owens, a decorated D-Day hero, is receiving posthumous recognition for his bravery during the Normandy Invasion, which occurred 25 years ago. Fox News senior correspondent Greg Palkot spoke with the Owens family, highlighting the significance of the honors bestowed upon Owens after his tragic death in the battle. The award, which includes the Distinguished Service Cross, is a rare acknowledgment of the courage displayed during one of World War II’s most pivotal moments.
Ronald Reagan presented Owens’ family with the medal at the White House in 1997, nearly a quarter-century after the operation. The ceremony was a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the sacrifices made by many Americans during the war. Owens’ actions during the D-Day invasion, where he led a crucial assault on the German defenses, were instrumental in securing a critical breach in the beach defenses, according to military historians.
The Distinguished Service Cross is one of the highest military awards in the United States, second only to the Medal of Honor. Owens’ family has been working for decades to bring attention to his heroism, and the posthumous recognition has been a long-awaited acknowledgment of his service. The ceremony was also a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of the war on families and the enduring legacy of those who fought for their country.