Owens v. Owens

Opinion op the Court by

Stanley, Commissioner

Affirming.

Tbe material question before the court is whether a soldier under 21 years of age by will could change the beneficiary named in a policy or certificate of National Service Life Insurance or in a “death gratuity” granted by the Government.

Philip Owens, then barely 19 years of age, executed a will on September 2, 1944 shortly before he went overseas. He was killed in action three months later. The pertinent provision of that instrument is as follows:

“My mother Lucy Owens, will be given my automobile & all other personal property. I also…