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Hello
My Father Cpl Wm
R Owens was called back to service in June
1940.
He had
previously joined at Ft Oglethorpe, Ga in
1937 and went to Panama, as a Heavy Cannoner.
He served 34
months as a Basic Trainer before being sent
to Camp Columbus, Mo and then served on
Saipan as a Radio or Switchboard Operator.
He lived just a
short way from Camp Forrest near Penile
Hill. from 1917, until leaving for Camp
Columbus.
The records were
largely destroyed, in the infamous 1970's
fire that destroyed a lot of Army Personnel
records.
I have his
discharge and enlistment etc but largely his
history of duties are gone.
I don't know
what unit he was in in Panama. The record of
the unit id he served with on Saipan is now
missing from my records.
If anyone has
any record of his service etc, it would be
greatly appreciated.
He was given a
30% Disability rating I think that went back
to Panama duty.
He absolutely
would not talk about Saipan except as a
small child he talked with some neighbors.
Everybody, in the neighborhood had been in
WWII. He would turn away or retreat if
asked.
On his death bed
he recounted some things about being chased
with sticks and knives. I think it was from
Panama though.
Regards
Louis D Owens |
