SKANEATELES - A former Marine from Skaneateles has fought some tough battles over the years.

Now, nearly 60 years after fighting in North Korea, the United States is recognizing Joseph Owen's bravery with a Silver Star Medal.

In late 1950, Second Lt. Owen was among the remaining members of his rifle company, which was advancing north on the Korean peninsula, toward the Chinese border. He was serving as a mortar section commander in Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marine Regiment.

On Nov. 27, 1950, the company formed a defensive perimeter with a temporary medical station to treat wounded Marines.

One of the surrounding Chinese soldiers threw a grenade, which exploded near Owen, lifting him up and throwing him to the ground. He was stunned by the grenade, but he came to by hearing the screams of Chinese soldiers breaking through the perimeter.

He rejected medical aid, and instead turned into the enemy soldiers as they advanced toward the injured men in the aid station.

Owen used his rifle's bayonet to stab the first soldier, but the blade got stuck. He then picked up an enemy's rifles, and used it as a club. A group of four or five men backed him up, fighting the advancing Chinese with Owen, as other Marines in the line fired down at the Chinese running toward that aid station.

“The thing of it is, they never got close to our wounded,” he said.

Despite his appreciation for the Silver Star, an honor given to those who show gallantry during service, he recognizes the fact that he didn't save the wounded alone that cold day in November. He sees the medal as a salute to all those men who fought along side him.

In fact, the men of his unit, and members of other platoons of the company who fought in Korea, are responsible for Owen receiving the award.

After the battle, Owen's company commander told him he would put him up for a medal. However, the war continued to wage day and night for the next two weeks.

The commander fought with his men, leaving no time for paperwork.

Then, on Dec. 8, 1950, Owen was speaking to the commander when a black mark appeared on his forehead, just under his helmet line.

“He just crumpled into the snow,” Owen said. “I had to move forward, didn't even have time to say a prayer.”

And with the commander died his promise - until 55 years later.

Owen attended a reunion five years ago and surprised men when he told them he didn't receive awards for that fight. This started a campaign among those Marines.

Harrold Kiser, a retired colonel who fought in the flanking platoon during the battle, helped get the paperwork through the right channels and called Owen when word came down he is to receive the medal.

Owen will receive the Silver Star on April 24 at the Marine Reserve Base in Mattydale.

And we quote:

The following is a portion of the decree from the Secretary of the Navy for presenting Owen with the Silver Star.

“By his aggressive action in eliminating that enemy position, he and his men not only assured the survival of many wounded Marines, but facilitated the breakout of his company through surrounding enemy forces. Second Lieutenant Owen's outstanding display of courage, unrelenting perseverance, and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United State Naval Service.