SGT David Crocket Powers

SGT David Crocket Powers was born 27 Feb 1918 in Lebanon, Virginia. He was the 5th of 7 children born to Daniel Anthony and Rosa Lettie (Farmer) Powers. His father was a farmer and coal miner. David was also mining, working for Carter Coal Company in 1940.

David was drafted in May 1941. In accordance with policies in effect at that time he was sent to Fort Meade, Maryland and assigned to D Company 116th Infantry. He trained with the unit at Fort Meade, in the Carolina maneuvers and at Camp Blanding, Florida before boarding the Queen Mary and sailing to England in September 1942. Once in England he trained with his unit for the amphibious landing that was planned as part of the invasion of occupied Europe. He must have demonstrated competence and leadership skills because by June 1944 he had attained the rank of SGT. SGT Powers was killed in action while taking part in the amphibious assault at Omaha Beach on 6 Jun 1944.

SGT Powers rests forever in the Normandy American Cemetery.

His oldest brother, Brownlow Powers, also served in the U.S. Army during WW2.