PUBLICATIONS: LA Times, September 1992, LA Weekly, April 1993, Book; LYING EYES, - Thunder's Mouth Press, � 1994 by Tom Owens, (available via amazondotcom for 99 cents) Star Chamber � 1999 by Tom Owens The Code, � 1999 by Tom Owens, Down by Law,theatrical treatment and screenplay � 2000 by Tom Owens, OPED: OC Register article, Dec. 2002 Ya simply gotta luv em. Beware the Snake Oil? LA Daily Journal July 2004 � Tom Owens, Article re LAPD Officer Misconduct, July 2004� Tom Owens - San Francisco Daily Journal, Article -PoliceOne Magazine June 2012
Other Comments:
USMC 1965-1971 SGT INTEL USA/USAR 1971-2001 CAPT INF (Ret) Total time for retirement purposes - 33 years.
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed.
Details Behind Award
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS WASHINGTON. D.C. 20380
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION to:
FIRST BATTALION, SEVENTH MARINES
for service as set forth in the following:
CITATION:
For meritorious service in action against Communist forces in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, from 21 April to 2 May 1969. The First Battalion, 7th Marines distinguished itself by inflecting heavy losses on North Vietnamese Army units through a series of masterly conceived and skillfully executed tactical moves. In anticipation of heavy enemy movement on the night of 21 April 1969, the battalion head deployed to ambush enemy forces wherever they might attempt to cross the Vu Gia River. Late at night, elements of the battalion observed enemy movement, but held their fire in anticipation of a larger enemy force. he decision proved to be remunerative when a short time later 150 to 200 North Vietnameses soldiers began crossing the river at the ambush position. Waiting until the enemy was in the middle of the river, the battalion initiated the ambush with a devastating volume of fire in a classic ambush situation. The outstanding fire and concealment discipline, and the superb integration of supporting arms brought down 57 North Vietnamese soldiers on the field of battle. An additional 14 bodies were found in shallow graves during the subsequent sweep the next day. Other casualties of the action might have been swept away by the strong river current. An enemy buildup in the same vicinity a week later was outflanked and routed by the skillful use of supporting arms by the First Battalion, Seventh Marines. By their outstanding professional knowledge, tactical skill, and aggressive fighting spirit, the men of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines succeeded in inflicting disproportionately heavy casualties on the Communist forces. In achieving these results, the battalion displayed exceptional qualities of individual fighting skill, indomitable courage, and unit esprit which were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
For the Secretary of the Navy,
Signed/LEONARD F. CHAPMAN Commandant of the Marine Corps
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS WASHINGTON. D.C. 20380
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION to: FIRST BATTALION, SEVENTH MARINES FIRST MARINE DIVISION (REINFORCED) FLEET MARINE FORCE
for service as set forth in the following: CITATION: For meritorious service in action against North Vietnamese and Communist insurgent forces in the Que Son Mountains area, Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, from 24 October to 8 December 1969. Throughout the period, First Battalion, 7th Marines successfully accomplished its demanding and hazardous mission in an exceptionally competent and professional manner. Assigned to the rugged Que Son Mountains, an area long considered a sanctuary for enemy forces and a staging area for attacks against Free World military forces and Vietnamese installations in the Danang vital area, the First Battalion cut their way through precipitous jungle terrain with unusual aggressiveness and skill as they closed with and destroyed the enemy and his facilities. During the six-week period, the First Battalion inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, captured a large number of personnel, weapons, ammunition, and intelligence documents, and took possession of vital medical supplies and equipment, resulting in a serious impairment of the enemy's combat capability. The Battalion also destroyed 23 base camps, a North Vietnamese Army psychological and political operation center completer with film, stencils, and pictures, and captured the 78th North Vietnamese Army Hospital, the largest and most important North Vietnamese-Viet Cong hospital in Quang Nam Province. forcing an enemy regiment to abandon its supplies and headquarters. As a result of their determination, First Battalion, 7th Marines made a major contribution to the defense and security of the vital Danang area and the politically significant populated coastal lowlands while clearing the Que Son Mountains area of well entrenched North Vietnamese Army forces. Performance of duty by the officers and men of First Battalion, Seventh Marines was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
For the Secretary of the Navy,
Signed/LEONARD F. CHAPMAN Commandant of the Marine Corps
