James Carlton Owens of the Shady Grove community, Nacogdoches County, was born December 9, 1911, the son of William Jefferson Owens and May Elizabeth Holt Owens. In 1937, Owens married Rosa Lee Branton, and they had three children, Evie, Janie and James A. After entering the Navy during World War II, James C. Owens was killed during the invasion on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. Owens was first buried on Iwo Jima, but four years later his remains were returned to the United States where he was given a military graveside service at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.
Scope and Content Note
This collection includes letters from James Carlton Owens to his parents, wife, and children written during his Naval service in World War II. Also included are a letter from Rosa Lee Owens to James C. Owens, telegrams to the family from the military confirming the death of Owens, sympathy letters, military memorabilia, medals (including the Purple Heart), books, and certificates.
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