PVT Bruce Milton Powell

courtesy of Des Philippet

PVT Bruce Milton Powell was born 20 Feb 1925 in Nogales, Arizona. He was the youngest of the 2 children, both sons, born to Thomas Morgan and Florence Beatrice (Finley) Powell. His father was working as a consular official for the United States State Department when Bruce was born. After completing high school when he was 18, Bruce moved to Los Angeles, California and when he registered for the draft in 1943 was working for Toby's Radio Shop.

Bruce was drafted in September 1943. After his basic military training he was sent to the European theater. PVT Powell was transferred from the replacement depot to B Company 116th Infantry on 16 Jun 1944. He was wounded on 30 Jun 1944 and evacuated to hospital. PVT Powell returned to the unit from the replacement depot on 29 Oct 1944. PVT Powell was killed in action on 17 Nov 1944 as B Company fought on the outskirts of Jülich, Germany. He was awarded the Silver Star the citation for which says that he displayed exceptional devotion to duty as a radio operator under extremely heavy fire when he was mortally wounded.

PVT Powell was interred in the Netherlands American Cemetery.

Older brother, James Otis Powell, served as a CPL in the U.S. Army 1946-1948.