Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Headquarters & Service Company, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division "The Spearhead", U.S. Marine Corps

"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 1 March 1945. Sergeant Powers volunteered to be lowered into a sulphur quarry one hundred feet deep in order to seal the entrance of a cave which was occupied by enemy troops menacing our forces. Award that the Japanese within the cave had previously engaged our assault troops in a sharp fire fight, he courageously descended by means of a steel cable on a winch, carrying a heavy load of explosives to the cave entrance. Braving the determined fire of the enemy, he placed his charge and blasted the cave opening, trapping the Japanese. Forced to ascend rapidly to escape the effects of the explosion, Sergeant Powers suffered painful and mutilating injuries to his hands. Despite his injuries, he resolutely refused evacuation and remained in action for a period of twenty-five days. His indomitable spirit, valiant action and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 43882

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)