Owen J. Baggett: An American’s American Hero

Shot down a Japanese fighter with his 1911

Happy Independence Day!! And what is more American than celebrating an American hero who used an all American gun: John Browning's 1911. In 1943 while flying a mission in his B-24 Liberator, Owen’s plane was attacked by the impressive Ki-43 Japanese fighter. Damaging his aircraft, Owen and the crew bailed out only to have the Japanese fighters begin shooting his fellow parachuters and killing them. As a Ki-43 grew close to Owen hanging in his parachute, he pulled out his 1911 and shot the pilot dead. The Japanese plane crashed into the jungle below. Captured upon landing, the Japanese were impressed by his feat of arms and threw mini celebration for him as a warrior. He spent the next 2 years in a POW camp and survived the war.

This 250th celebration, remind yourself: We are not the descendants of fearful men, but men of honor. Valor is in you. Set it free.