Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    10th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    5th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1944

    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 97 (November 24, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Henry Nelson Powell (ASN: 15058381), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division. On 30 July 1944, Private First Class Powell’s unit was attacking strong enemy positions near La Cauvilliere, France, when the advance was halted by intense enemy automatic weapons cross-fire. Private First Class Powell, with utter disregard for his own safety, dived fearlessly over a hedge in the face of enemy fire in order to retrieve ammunition and a tripod for his weapon. He then set up his gun and coolly directed effective fire against the enemy, continuing to fire, even though mortally wounded, until he died. Private First Class Powell’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.