John Wesley Powers
7th Infantry Division
48th Field Artillery Battalion
Company A
John Powers served in the army as a motor pool specialist. He was stationed in the Japan until the division was transferred to Korea. After the war, Powers transferred to the Air Force for the remainder of his service commitment. He was stationed at Donaldson Air Force Base until he was discharged. Son, grandson and great-grandson learn of their veteran relative’s military legacy during the Korean War with unit history and long lost awards. After the war Powers’ made a career as a surveyor.
Powers received an Army Commendation medal, which reads:
“For meritorious achievement while serving in the capacity of a two and one-half ton prime rover driver. Private First Class Powers displayed an intense devotion to duty which contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. He made multiple trips totaling more than 1,100 miles over roads which were practically impassible. Private First Class drove hundreds of miles at night adding the additional danger of guerilla attack to the already hazardous road conditions. He was required to drive for long periods of time with little or no sleep due to the lack of sufficient assistant drivers in his unit. At no time during this period did Private First Class Powers’ vehicle break down due to the lack of driver maintenance. His achievement reflects great credit on himself and the military service.”
From 7 November 1950 to 19 December 1950
His decorations include:
Army Commendation Medal
Army Occupation Medal – Japan
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal w/5 campaign stars
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korean Korean War Service Medal
Sanford, N. Carolina (2012)
Comments