Mexican Border Service Medal, “12688” (Capt John J. Owens, DSC)

Mexican Border Service Medal, numbered “12688”. Ribbon worn at the brooch. Issued to Captain John J. Owens, Philadelphia, PA.

Owens also received Pennsylvania Mexican Border Service Medal #1232 (location unknown). During World War I, Captain Owens was the Intelligence Officer of the 3rd Battalion, 109th Infantry, and was tasked to lead a reinforced company in defensing the town of Fismette on the Vesle River. He received the Distinguished Service Cross: “for extraordinary heroism in action at Fismette, France, August 12 – 19, 1918. While occupying the town with his company, and although it was continuously under shellfire, machine-gun fire, and deluged with gas, Lieutenant Owens displayed the highest order of courage, resolution, and leadership in holding the town against repeated attacks for six days, and though badly gassed remained with it until the company was relieved.”