Kern County Obituaries

Michael G. Owen

Submitted by Don Stowell; 13 Feb 2008

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Source Unknown; Date Unknown

Sept. 24, 1973 – Oct. 5, 2004
Tehachapi High School alumnus S/Sgt Michael G. Owen was killed in Iraq on 
Oct. 15, 2004 when a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device 
near his vehicle. 

Owen, 31, the leader of a three-man team assigned to the Army’s 9th 
Psychological Operations Battalion, was killed while conducting “vehicle-mounted 
loudspeaker operations” near the Iraq border with Syria. 

Owen and his team saved the lives of approximately 30 U.S. Marines that were 
uncovered and was the target of a car bomber.

Owen served in four foreign countries during his 13 years in the military, 
speaking three languages, including French and Spanish. He received his training 
at Ft. Bragg, N.C.

He served in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Haiti before he was sent to Iraq four months ago.

There is an ongoing investigation for the actions Owen took, which is expected to 
result in his being nominated for the Medal of Honor.

He is survived by his wife Crystal and his parents Howard Owen and Kay Hutchinson.

NOTE: Photo At: http://www.calarchives4u.com/photos/kern/