Dwight Owen
Bio
Theo Dwight Owen, born during the Great Depression in Lubbock, TX, grew up there and joined the U.S. Navy in 1945, leaving high school to enlist. Motivated by a desire to help others, likely shaped by his upbringing, he completed boot camp in San Diego and was stationed in Hawaii. There, he worked in ship stores, handling large items such as jeeps, trucks, and essential supplies for the Pacific. After his Navy service, he joined the Marine Corps Reserves and was soon mobilized for Korea in 1950. He vividly recalls landing on the beaches of Wolmido at Inchon, calling it the worst night of his life. Throughout his time in Korea, he corresponded with his mother and girlfriend back home, finding comfort in those connections. Reflecting on his service, he takes pride in his contributions and feels satisfaction seeing South Korea’s progress.
Video Clips
Going to Korea
In late July 1950, Dwight Owen learned he would soon deploy to Korea as part of the 1st Marine Division Shore Party. He describes his assignments within the regiment, recalling his journey through Kobe, Japan, en route to Korea. While docked in Kobe, he experienced a typhoon, a memory that stayed vivid throughout his service.
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Landing in Korea
Dwight Owen vividly describes landing on the beaches of Wolmido Island near Inchon, detailing the intense artillery fire and his mission upon reaching the shore. He recalls it as the worst night of his life, a moment filled with fear and doubt about what he had signed up for. The chaos of that night remains one of his most powerful memories from the war.
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Duties and Experiences out in the Field
Dwight Owen recalls leaving Wolmido for North Korea, specifically the city of Wonsan. Along the way, he remembers crossing the Han River and clearing old, unstable dynamite due to leaking glycerin. As provisions ran low, he survived on rice alone, eventually developing dysentery. He vividly describes the challenging conditions and the desolate landscape of Wonsan as he saw it then.
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Letters Home
Dwight Owen recalls writing letters to his girlfriend, whom he married upon returning home in August 1951, though he notes she keeps these letters private. He also reflects on his mother’s worries, knowing that not one but three of her sons were serving in the war simultaneously. This shared family sacrifice remains a poignant memory for him.
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