Cap. W.H. Owen, Jr. with MacArthur

OWEN, MILES

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 3/9/2014 at 08:26:44

WITH MacARTHUR
--Photo by Courtesy of Ottumwa Courier.

Cap. W.J. Owen, Jr., former commanding officer of the Keosauqua C.C.C. camp, has command of the north sector of Corregidor island, one of the American strongholds in Manila bay.

Corregidor fortress and Gen. Douglas MacArthur's position on Bataan peninsula have held out against the Jape despite overwhelming odds.

Word of Captain Owen's command was revealed by a letter received by his wife, who lives in Fairfield. A portion of the letter follows:

"Sudden opportunity arose to send mail, so will write hurriedly. Going is rough and rugged at times but are sure of its eventual outcome.

"Press releases have given you information of action and our situation from a military, naval and political view. I am well and have lost my excess weight."

The letter was dated February 4, 1942, and bore the naval censor stamp. It was the first word Mrs. Owen had received from her husband since December 13, 1941. The letter declared the officer had not received word from home since November.

Captain Owen sailed from the west coast for the Phillippines in August 1941. Mrs. Owen and sons Billy and Michael returned to Fairfield after his departure.

Mrs. Owen has not received word from her brother, Peter Miles, who was in Manila at the time of the Japanese raid on that city. She believes he is in Australia.

Captain Owen was one of the youngest soldiers in World war I.

"Scrapbook of Unknown Origin"

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