Darrell "Shifty" Powers

[D.A.T.]

Just recieved tis mail from Patrick Brion;

Darrell "Shifty" Powers, the amazing sniper, died today, June 17, 2009. He had been battling numerous illnesses -- basically, old age.

 

From Wikipedia: "Darrell "Shifty" Powers (1923-2009) is a former NCO during World War II who served with the famed E Co./2/506 of the 101st Airborne Division (the Band of Brothers). Shifty was an original member of Easy Company, training at Camp Toccoa, Georgia. Shifty's hometown is Clinchco, Virginia, in Dickenson County." You can see more there.

 

He never spoke of his war experiences until Stephen Ambrose started research on the book Band of Brothers. Later, he was able to go to D-Day ceremonies in Normandy and the opening of the D-Day Museum in New Orleans. He also met Tom Hanks and Spielberg. Not bad for a guy from the coalfields of Southwest Virginia. One incredible memory for me was a family reunion where the kids, including my young son, got him to talk about some of his experiences.

 

We'll miss this American hero. :salute:

 

Sgt Darrell Powers

506th PIR Co E

'Shifty'

 

Shifty Powers with Carwood Lipton by the HBO party 2001

 

Staff Sergeant Fred Scheurwater

Treasurer and Quartermaster

VZW Band of Brothers Belgium and The Netherlands

 

www.band-of-brothers.be

www.band-of-brothers.nl

[VeeVee]

Another one gone. Taps and salutes to you Mr. Powers.

[ww2_1943]

I met him at the Reading airshow two weeks ago. He was lost and asked me where the 506 guys were. I got him a ride on one of our groups member GP.

[FW12]

I also had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Mr. Powers. I'm sorry to see a fellow Virginian pass, but you couldn't say he didn't live a long life.

 

Beau

[Laury Allison]

RIP Shifty!!! :salute:

[VeeVee]

I met him at the Reading airshow two weeks ago. He was lost and asked me where the 506 guys were. I got him a ride on one of our groups member GP.

 

I was there but didn't get the chance to meet him. Now it's too late.