Kenneth R. Powell
Encyclopedia
Kenneth R. "Ken" Powell (1915 - September 16, 1987) was born in McMinnville, Oregon
. He entered flying school in the fall of 1939 and graduated from Kelly Field in July 1940. Served during World War II at Canton, Battle of Makin, and Iwo Jima. He retired Aug. 1st, 1968 as a Major General.
, his parents moved to Bozeman, Montana
. Then in 1921 his family again moved with him to Tacoma, Washington. In Tacoma is where he completed grammar school and graduated from Stadium High School
in 1934. That fall he entered Washington State University
located at Pullman
, Washington. He was a varsity track letterman, an advanced ROTC candidate, and was a member of Scabbard and Blade
, Crimson Circle, national senior men's honorary society, and the Phi Delta Theta
fraternity. He graduated Washington State University
on June 6, 1938. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and joined the military.
, Lieutenant Powell's first assignment with the United States Army Air Corps
was to the 78th Pursuit Squadron located at Wheeler Field in Hawaii
. On December 7 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
, Lt. Powell was a flight leader, however, all his squadron's aircraft were either damaged or destroyed during the attack. Therefore, no members of his squadron were able to get airborne during the attack on Pearl Harbor
.
Upon arriving at Iwo Jima, on the second day on the island and early in the morning, Colonel Powell's group was greeted by a "Bonzai" attack in their tent area by the Japanese. Several pilots died during the attack. Even Colonel Powell was injured by a hand grenade and was evacuated to a military hospital on Guam. He returned to his post as soon as he recovered from his injuries. After returning he participated in several escort missions over Japan. Eventually his unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation
for their escort work of land-based fighters over the Japanese homeland. They were the first to do so.
in Alabama
. Next, from 1949 to 1951 Powell was the deputy commandant of the Armed Forces Information School
in New York. Next, Colonel Powell was assigned as chief of the Airmen's Assignment Division in the Directorate of Military Personnel, Headquarters of the U.S. Air Force in 1952.
Then, between July 1955 to July 1959, Colonel Powell commanded the 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing of Spangdahlem Air Base
, Germany
. While in Germany on his overseas tour, he was awarded the Honor Shield of the German State of Rheinland-Pfalz for his work in promoting German-American relations. This was the first time the Honor Shield was awarded to an American military commander. The grand duchess of Luxembourg
awarded Colonel Powell their highest decoration for foreign officers, the Officer's Cross in the Order of LaCouronne de Chene
.
In 1959 Colonel Powell received the Legion of Merit
. The citation stated in part: "Colonel Powell demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, diplomacy and statesmanship in establishing and directing an exceptional program of international friendship and understanding with the populace of the Federal German Republic and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. His efforts have greatly enhanced the prestige and good will of the United States in this most important area."
After he returned from Europe, he was assigned as the commander of the 1st Strategic Aerospace Division
at Vandenberg Air Force Base
in California
.
McMinnville, Oregon
McMinnville is the county seat and largest city of Yamhill County, Oregon, United States. According to Oregon Geographic Names, it was named by its founder, William T. Newby , an early immigrant on the Oregon Trail, for his hometown of McMinnville, Tennessee...
. He entered flying school in the fall of 1939 and graduated from Kelly Field in July 1940. Served during World War II at Canton, Battle of Makin, and Iwo Jima. He retired Aug. 1st, 1968 as a Major General.
Early life
After birth in 1915 and a short stay in OregonOregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
, his parents moved to Bozeman, Montana
Montana
Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...
. Then in 1921 his family again moved with him to Tacoma, Washington. In Tacoma is where he completed grammar school and graduated from Stadium High School
Stadium High School
Stadium High School is a 100-year-old high school in Tacoma, Washington and a historic landmark. It is part of Tacoma Public Schools, or Tacoma School District No. 10 and is located in the Stadium District, near downtown Tacoma. The original building burned to a shell while it was still a partially...
in 1934. That fall he entered Washington State University
Washington State University
Washington State University is a public research university based in Pullman, Washington, in the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1890, WSU is the state's original and largest land-grant university...
located at Pullman
Pullman, Washington
Pullman is the largest city in Whitman County, Washington, United States. The population was 24,675 at the 2000 census and 29,799 according to the 2010 census...
, Washington. He was a varsity track letterman, an advanced ROTC candidate, and was a member of Scabbard and Blade
Scabbard and Blade
Scabbard and Blade is a college military honor society founded at the University of Wisconsin in 1904. Although membership is open to R.O.T.C. cadets and midshipmen of all military services, the society is modeled after the U.S. Army and its chapters are called companies and are organized into...
, Crimson Circle, national senior men's honorary society, and the Phi Delta Theta
Phi Delta Theta
Phi Delta Theta , also known as Phi Delt, is an international fraternity founded at Miami University in 1848 and headquartered in Oxford, Ohio. Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, and Sigma Chi form the Miami Triad. The fraternity has about 169 active chapters and colonies in over 43 U.S...
fraternity. He graduated Washington State University
Washington State University
Washington State University is a public research university based in Pullman, Washington, in the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1890, WSU is the state's original and largest land-grant university...
on June 6, 1938. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and joined the military.
Education and Early Military Service
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Psychology, He graduated June 6, 1938
- Flight School, Kelly Field, He graduated in July 1940.
- Command and General Staff School at Fort LeavenworthFort LeavenworthFort Leavenworth is a United States Army facility located in Leavenworth County, Kansas, immediately north of the city of Leavenworth in the upper northeast portion of the state. It is the oldest active United States Army post west of Washington, D.C. and has been in operation for over 180 years...
, KansasKansasKansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
, He graduated July 1945. - Royal Air Force Staff CollegeRAF Staff College, BracknellThe RAF Staff College at Bracknell was a Royal Air Force staff college active for most of the second half of the 20th century. Its role was the training of staff officers in the administrative, staff and policy aspects of air force matters...
, Bracknell, England, He graduated on May 1947. - Air War CollegeAir War CollegeThe Air War College is a part of the United States Air Force's Air University, headquartered at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Air University's higher headquarters is Air Education and Training Command headquartered at Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The Air War...
, He graduated in 1952.
Pearl Harbor
During Pearl HarborPearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
, Lieutenant Powell's first assignment with the United States Army Air Corps
United States Army Air Corps
The United States Army Air Corps was a forerunner of the United States Air Force. Renamed from the Air Service on 2 July 1926, it was part of the United States Army and the predecessor of the United States Army Air Forces , established in 1941...
was to the 78th Pursuit Squadron located at Wheeler Field in Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
. On December 7 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
, Lt. Powell was a flight leader, however, all his squadron's aircraft were either damaged or destroyed during the attack. Therefore, no members of his squadron were able to get airborne during the attack on Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
.
Central Pacific
In 1942 he was in command of the 46th Fighter Squadron on Canton Island. Then in 1943 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and was assigned as the deputy commander of the 15th Fighter Group. Beginning on April 21, 1944, Colonel Powell organized and activated the 21st Fighter Group. The 21st Fighter Group was set up to provide fighter protection for bomber raids against Japan in World War II.Upon arriving at Iwo Jima, on the second day on the island and early in the morning, Colonel Powell's group was greeted by a "Bonzai" attack in their tent area by the Japanese. Several pilots died during the attack. Even Colonel Powell was injured by a hand grenade and was evacuated to a military hospital on Guam. He returned to his post as soon as he recovered from his injuries. After returning he participated in several escort missions over Japan. Eventually his unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Citation
The Presidential Unit Citation is a senior unit award granted to military units which have performed an extremely meritorious or heroic act, usually in the face of an armed enemy...
for their escort work of land-based fighters over the Japanese homeland. They were the first to do so.
Post War Service
Between 1947 to 1949 he was the commander of the Air Force Public Relations School and organized/supervised the Comptroller Course at the Air Force Special Staff School located at Craig FieldCraig Field
Craig Field is an Australian former professional rugby league player. Field played for South Sydney, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Balmain Tigers and Wests Tigers. His primary position was at halfback...
in Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. Next, from 1949 to 1951 Powell was the deputy commandant of the Armed Forces Information School
Defense Information School
The Defense Information School, or DINFOS, is a United States Department of Defense school located at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Members from all branches of the U.S...
in New York. Next, Colonel Powell was assigned as chief of the Airmen's Assignment Division in the Directorate of Military Personnel, Headquarters of the U.S. Air Force in 1952.
Then, between July 1955 to July 1959, Colonel Powell commanded the 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing of Spangdahlem Air Base
Spangdahlem Air Base
Spangdahlem Air Base is a United States Air Force base located near the small German town of Spangdahlem, approximately 30 km NNE of the city of Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate.-Units:...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. While in Germany on his overseas tour, he was awarded the Honor Shield of the German State of Rheinland-Pfalz for his work in promoting German-American relations. This was the first time the Honor Shield was awarded to an American military commander. The grand duchess of Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Luxembourg , officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg , is a landlocked country in western Europe, bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany. It has two principal regions: the Oesling in the North as part of the Ardennes massif, and the Gutland in the south...
awarded Colonel Powell their highest decoration for foreign officers, the Officer's Cross in the Order of LaCouronne de Chene
Order of the Oak Crown
The Order of the Oak Crown is an Order of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.-History:The Order of the Oak Crown was instituted by the Grand Duke-King William II, in 1841...
.
In 1959 Colonel Powell received the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
. The citation stated in part: "Colonel Powell demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, diplomacy and statesmanship in establishing and directing an exceptional program of international friendship and understanding with the populace of the Federal German Republic and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. His efforts have greatly enhanced the prestige and good will of the United States in this most important area."
After he returned from Europe, he was assigned as the commander of the 1st Strategic Aerospace Division
1st Strategic Aerospace Division
The 1st Strategic Aerospace Division is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with Strategic Air Command, assigned to Fifteenth Air Force, being stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California...
at Vandenberg Air Force Base
Vandenberg Air Force Base
Vandenberg Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base, located approximately northwest of Lompoc, California. It is under the jurisdiction of the 30th Space Wing, Air Force Space Command ....
in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
Assignments
- 15th Infantry, Fort LewisFort LewisJoint Base Lewis-McChord is a United States military facility located south-southwest of Tacoma, Washington. The facility is under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Joint Base Garrison, Joint Base Lewis-McChord....
, Washington, 1938 - 78th Pursuit Squadron, Wheeler Field, Territory of HawaiiTerritory of HawaiiThe Territory of Hawaii or Hawaii Territory was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from July 7, 1898, until August 21, 1959, when its territory, with the exception of Johnston Atoll, was admitted to the Union as the fiftieth U.S. state, the State of Hawaii.The U.S...
- 46th Fighter Squadron, Canton Island
- 15th Fighter Group
- 21st Fighter Group, June 15, 1944 – October 10, 1946
- Dover Air BaseDover Air Force BaseDover Air Force Base or Dover AFB is a United States Air Force base located two miles southeast of the city of Dover, Delaware.-Units:...
, DelawareDelawareDelaware is a U.S. state located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered to the south and west by Maryland, and to the north by Pennsylvania...
, Commander, 1946 - Air Show Unit, Tactical Air CommandTactical Air CommandTactical Air Command is an inactive United States Air Force organization. It was a Major Command of the United States Air Force, established on 21 March 1946 being headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia...
, Langley Field, VirginiaVirginiaThe Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, 1946 - Spangdahlem Air BaseSpangdahlem Air BaseSpangdahlem Air Base is a United States Air Force base located near the small German town of Spangdahlem, approximately 30 km NNE of the city of Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate.-Units:...
, GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, July 1955 - July 1959 - Vandenberg Air Force BaseVandenberg Air Force BaseVandenberg Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base, located approximately northwest of Lompoc, California. It is under the jurisdiction of the 30th Space Wing, Air Force Space Command ....
, CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, 1961
Rank History
- Second Lieutenant, June 6, 1938
- Lieutenant, 1940
- Captain, Between 1940 and 1942
- Major, 1942
- Lieutenant Colonel, 1943
- Colonel, Between 1944 and 1961
- Brigadier General, March 1961