Powers, Vernon Porter (Interview outline and video), 2015

Moore, Deb (Interviewer)

Vernon Powers was born in Dyersburg, Tennessee in (circa) 1925, but his family eventually settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was drafted on December 18, 1943 and was processed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois before going to Camp Roberts, California for basic training. He went to Camp Bowie, Texas for armored infantry training before deploying for Europe out of Camp Kilmer, New Jersey in December 1944 (or January 1945) most likely part of the 13th Armored Division. His unit landed in Le Havre, France then moved through Europe, seeing action in Metz, France and fighting in the Ruhr Valley, Germany. His unit advanced through Germany seeing final action in Simbach am Inn, Germany and entering Berchtesgaden, Germany on Victory in Europe Day (May 8, 1945). They patrolled the area around Simbach am Inn before returning to Le Havre, France to take a ship back to the United States. He was on leave when the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan and the war came to an end. He was stationed in California until he returned to Fort Sheridan, Illinois to be discharged on April 20, 1946.

2015-11-22

Grand Valley State University Libraries. Allendale, Michigan

Veterans History Project (U.S.)

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