[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 122 (Tuesday, August 9, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1511-E1512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF PRIVATE DONALD D. OWENS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 9, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Private Donald D. Owens, a loyal son and true patriot of the United 
States of America. Private Owens lost his life on October 9, 1944 
during World War II when his M-10 tank was attacked outside of 
Luneville, France. His life reflected an unwavering devotion to his 
country and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
  Pvt. Donald Owens was raised in Navarre, Ohio where he attended 
elementary school. He later relocated to Cleveland, Ohio with his 
father prior to starting high school. He attended James Ford Rhodes 
high school, where a yearbook and numerous school events have been 
named in his honor. Before receiving his diploma, Pvt. Owens opted to 
enlist in the army.
  He fought with the 773rd Tank Battalion in France, and tragically 
lost his life during the final battle for Parroy Forest. For sixty-six 
years following Owens' death his remains were unable to be located. 
Pvt. Owens' name can be found among the 443 others on the Tablets of 
the Missing in the Lorraine American Cemetery.
  Sixty-six years after Pvt. Owens lost his life, a French farmer, 
Gerard Louis, discovered a set of dog tags in the countryside. After 
contacting Sue Bennis, a Westlake, Ohio librarian, efforts to reconnect 
with Owens's family began immediately. His closest living relative is 
his sister-in-law, Lori Owens, who lives in Mobile, Alabama, the widow 
of Donald's late brother Gerald Owens. On May 16, 2011 Lori was greeted 
by two Army officers with a folded American flag and a bronze urn 
containing Donald's remains. A funeral ceremony will be held on August 
23, 2011 at Arlington Cemetery to remember Donald's efforts during 
World War II.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Mr. Donald D. Owens, a true hero that embodies the American spirit. 
I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will 
always be remembered by those who knew and loved him.

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