The “tree” was ultimately discovered to be a camouflaged German artillery piece. One of his most truly remarkable achievements, and a testament to the extraordinary gifts his backwoods upbringing brought to Easy Company, was the story documented in the Ambrose book, Band of Brothers, about the time in Bastogne when Shifty mentioned to his commanding officer that he noticed a tree in the distant forest that was not there just the day before. He was generally considered to be the best shot in Easy Company. Company members say Powers saved many lives that day. Carwood Lipton, Shifty made a heroic attempt and silenced the German with his M1 right between the eyes. While in Foy, a German sniper shot three members of Easy Company, and everyone hid for cover.
He also participated in the Allied military operation Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, and the Battle of the Bulge in Foy, Belgium. He eventually came in contact with Floyd Talbert and the two made their way to Easy Company. Powers jumped into Normandy on D-Day, missing his drop zone. Powers enlisted on Augat Richmond, Virginia. This later proved useful as many of the skills he obtained helped him as a soldier. Shifty spent a great deal of time in the outdoors hunting game prior to joining the service. Powers was born in Clinchco, Dickenson County, Virginia and volunteered for the paratroopers with his good friend, Robert “Popeye” Wynn.
DARELL SHIFTY POWERS FULL
The 2011 book Shifty’s War, by journalist Marcus Brotherton, captures Sergeant Powers’ full life story.
Powers was portrayed in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers by Peter Youngblood Hills. Powers “Shifty” was a non-commissioned officer with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in the 101st Airborne Division during World War II.
0 kommentar(er)
