Memorial

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Sgt Edwin L. Powell graduated from Swannanoa High School and attended Brevard College.

He enlisted at Fort Bragg, North Carolina on 24 June 1941 and was overseas for eight months at the time of his death.

His wife served with the WAVES in New Orleans.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic action in connection with military operations against the enemy on 18 December 1944. When the leading tank of the column was hit by enemy fire, destroyng communications with the rest of the column. Also the tank commander was wounded. Sgt Powell, realizing the need for immediate coordination, dismounted from his tank, situated at the column's rear, climbed upon the disabled tank and directed fire by shouting to the turret gunner through the open hatch. Other tanks in the column were able to adjust their fire accordingly by observing the bursts from the leading tank. The rare presence of mind exercised by Sgt Powell in maintaining the tactical effectiveness of his column at a critical moment proved a dicisive factor in enabling it to succesfully accomplish its mission.