[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 72 (Thursday, May 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SIXTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY: COLUMBIAN AWARDED NAVY CROSS AT THE BATTLE OF 
                                OKINAWA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2005

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to 
recognize the tremendous sacrifice of Thomas Marvin ``Tim'' Owen, Jr., 
who as a Water Tender First Class, United States Navy, served on the 
USS Butler. The USS Butler was a destroyer that participated in many 
important naval battles in World War II. The Butler served as an escort 
ship near Casablanca, North Africa, and Dakar, French West Africa. She 
participated in the Sicily Invasion, Battle of the Seine, Invasion of 
Northern France at the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of Okinawa.
  On May 25, 1945 at the Battle of Okinawa, bombs from a suicide plane 
exploded under the ship blowing out steam lines and flooding the 
forward fire room. The USS West Virginia stood by to assist the Butler 
until power was restored. During this time, two more suicide planes 
attacked the Butler.
  Thomas Marvin Owen, Jr. was awarded the Navy Cross for heroic actions 
in this engagement. Even though he was mortally wounded, he continued 
to perform his duty at his post and aided other sailors on the Butler. 
He and eight shipmates were killed in the engagement and were buried at 
sea. His name is inscribed on the Honolulu Memorial Tablets for those 
missing in action or buried at sea.

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