Corporal Eugene Owl
Honoring the Legacy of a Humble Native American War Hero
Eugene Owl was born in the foothills of Appalachia on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Reservation on August 22, 1917.
When war ignited, Eugene answered the Nation's call, enlisting at Camp Croft, S.C. on December 17, 1942.
This decision would take him from the gentle mountains of Western, NC to nearly every single major battlefield across the European Theater of the Second World War.
385th AAA Automatic Weapons Battalion
COMBAT ROLE
Anti-Aircraft Operator
After enlisting, Eugene Owl joined Battery “C” of the 385th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion—a new Army unit designed to shield advancing troops from Luftwaffe air attacks. He trained extensively in anti-aircraft tactics, and quickly specialized as a driver, learning to operate heavy trucks and half-tracks.
In this role, Eugene was responsible for moving men, equipment, and weapons into position, often under fire. His job required sharp tactical judgment and steady nerves to deploy the battalion’s anti-aircraft guns where they could best protect Allied forces.
While AAA units such as the 385th were originally formed to counter enemy aircraft, they were frequently attached to fast-moving front line divisions—often turning their guns against tanks, vehicles, and infantry; occasionally even fighting as infantry themselves in close combat.
40mm Bofors Quad-Mount
40mm Bofors AA Gun
M16 MGMC Half-Track
Chapter 1:
Operation Overlord
The Invasion of Normandy
Chapter 2:
Operation Cobra
Breaking Out of the Beachhead
