William T. Owen
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William Taylor Owen (Lieutenant Colonel) - Distinguished Service Cross (USA Posthumously).
Was born on the 27 May 1905 in Nagambie, Victoria, Australia. He worked as a bank officer in civilian life and served as a Militia officer during the years prior to the war.
He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) on the 8 July 1940, with the service number VX45223, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Australian Army (AIF).
After the Japanese island invasion of New Guinea in Jan 1942, the 1400 Rabaul (Australian) garrison defenders were quickly overwhelmed by the Japanese. A withdrawal from Rabaul, down the coast resulted in many Australian deaths. Owen, a Major at that stage of the war, was Company Commander in the 2/22nd Battalion at Rabaul, he was one of only 400 to get out of New Britain safely. He eventually arrived in Port Moresby and was made a Lieutenant Colonel, assumed command of the 39th Battalion on the 7th July 1942.
He was killed in action (KIA) at 0300 hrs on the morning of the 29 Jul 1942, as a Japanese attack intensified on the dug in position of the Australians, on the Kokoda plateau. Owen was shot just above the right eye while in his forward weapon pit. He was taken back to a hut that was used as a RAP, and examined by Doctor Vernon (Capt), his situation was deemed hopeless and when the Australians withdrew from their location at 4.30 hrs, due to the overwhelming odds, Owen was cleaned up and left as comfortable as possible. The hut was shortly overrun and Owens body was never found after that.
