The money was good in investment securities, but his life would take a dramatic turn within the year.
Baggett joined the U.S. Army Air Force and graduated on July 26, 1942.
While enroute to their target, a number of Japanese Zeroes approached the B-24s and a fight ensued.
The B-24 Liberator was a tough, versatile four-engine bomber of World War II. Image: U.S. Air Force
Unfortunately, escaping the burning plane was just the beginning of their problems.
The Zero crews began strafing the men as they floated through the sky.
Two of the B-24 crew members were killed and Owen was hit in the arm.
Just the Beginning
Once on the ground, he regrouped with two other surviving crew members.
In short order, they were taken prisoner by the Burmese and then turned over to the Japanese.
Baggett spent more than two years in a prison camp and lost half his body weight during that time.
The Japanese Zero was an agile and capable opponent faced by the Allies in World War II.
He weighed a scant 90 pounds when freed.
The Zero that Baggett fired upon crashed, throwing the pilot from the plane in the process.
He was found dead with a single gunshot wound to the head.
A True Hero
After World War II ended, Baggett stayed in the military.
This undoubtedly makes Col. Owen J. Baggett, USAF, Ret.
a World War II hero.
Cockpit of a Consolidated B-24D Liberator. Image: U.S. Air Force
While classic in its overall look, it includes upgrades like a stainless-steel barrel and three-dot sights.
Baggett’s target during the raid. Image: U.S. Air Force
