Sergeant Vincent L. C. Owens, 21, of Fort Smith, Ark., died at Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit came under direct fire in Yosuf Khel.

He was a motor transport operator assigned to Forward Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He joined the Army in August 2007 and arrived at Fort Campbell in January 2008.

Owens’ awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal (2 awards); Army Achievement Medal (2 awards); Valorous Unit Award; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Ribbon; Combat Action Badge; Driver & Mechanic Badge with Driver – Wheeled Vehicles; and Weapons Qualification: M4, expert. He was postumously promoted from specialist to sergeant.

He is survived by his wife, Kaitlyn Owens, of Fort Smith, Ark.; mother, Sheila Real, of Spiro, Okla.; and father, Keith Owens, of Missouri.