COMMANDER SEYMOUR D. OWENS, was posthumously granted the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism while commanding the USS Norman Scott in the assault on Tinian on 24 July 1944. Detailed to cover a feint landing south of Tinian town for the purpose of drawing enemy fire away from the actual landings to the north, Commander Owens courageously maneuvered his ship perilously close inshore in the face of heavy, persistent fire from Japanese coastal defense guns and skillfully directed accurate and effective fire support for the boat waves, continuing these daring tactics until he was killed at his post. His inspiring leadership and indomitable fighting spirit, and the valiant devotion to duty displayed by his intrepid command, reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.