United States Army Military Police Corps, U.S. Government
End of Watch Saturday, August 19, 1978
Add to My HeroesMarvin Robert "Bobby" Owen
Private First Class Marvin Owen was killed during a flood while attempting to rescue a family on an access road to the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
The family was stranded on a bridge, and as PFC Owen attempted to rescue them, they were struck by a 12-foot high wall of water, which washed them off of the bridge.
Owen was posthumously awarded the Soldiers Medal of Valor, and the road was later renamed Owen Road.
PFC Owen had served with the United States Army Military Police Corps for two years.
Bio
- Age 19
- Tour 2 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Weather/Natural disaster
- Location New Mexico
Most Recent Reflection
View all 38 ReflectionsI was a contractor working at WSMR from 1976 to 1996 and also serviced the NASA site and HAFB and had just moved to El Paso in 1976. I remember the huge bolders in the road as I came to work the next day entering from the El Paso gate. It was unbelievable the size of the bolders on the road washed there by the water. The basements of many of the buildings were filled with water and after it receded we took much of the equipment out, washed it with a hose and let it dry in the sun. We put it back together, plugged it in and if it smoked, it was scrapped and if it worked, it went back into service. I remember them naming the road after Mr. Ownen. I have thought of it so many times even though I have been gone from WSMR for 28 years. I just came from Aguirre Springs tonight and thought of Mr. Owens as I look down on the lights of WSMR. I found this link by asking ChatGPT about the incident as I wanted to know his full name. There is just something that stays in my memory about this young man. Highest respect and honor to Mr. Owens
Civilian Contractor, David Beard
Sperry Corp.
August 6, 2024
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