THE WALL OF FACES

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotions and spends himself in a great worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end triumph of high achievement and, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while caring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold, timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt

Dear Sgt Charles Powell, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Your 53rd anniversary just passed, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Sunday was the 77th anniversary of D-Day, Operation Overlord. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Sgt Powell, I will remember that day forever. My rocket team was reassigned to another squad the night before or we would have been with you.Could i have helped, i guess we will never know. We lost 10 others that day and I miss all of you. God Bless

Dear SGT Charles Thomas Powell, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

Navy Cross



Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War



The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Charles Thomas Powell (MCSN: 2085259), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 May 1968. While conducting a search and destroy operation north of Dong Ha in Quang Tri Province, elements of Company I suddenly came under a heavy volume of mortar, small-arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force and ! were pinned down. Sergeant Powell unhesitatingly took charge of a fire team and led it in an aggressive assault against an enemy mortar position. Disregarding the rounds impacting near him, he boldly maneuvered to within 40 meters of the hostile emplacement and deployed the Marines for an assault. Despite the intense enemy fire, he fearlessly led the attack across the fire-swept terrain and, upon reaching the edge of the emplacement, mortally wounded two hostile soldiers and caused four others to flee in panic and confusion. While continuing their advance his men sustained two casualties from hostile small arms fire. Notwithstanding a critically low supply of ammunition, Sergeant Powell aggressively moved forward to an advantageous position and, while delivering accurate suppressive fire on the enemy, was seriously wounded. Ignoring his painful injury, he steadfastly remained in a dangerously exposed situation, providing covering fire while a Corpsman administered first aid to his injured comrades. Upon silencing a hostile automatic weapon, he continued his resolute efforts, until he was mortally wounded. His bold initiative, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty inspired all who observed him, contributed immeasurably to the success of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.



General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals



Action Date: 31-May-68



Service: Marine Corps



Rank: Sergeant



Company: Company I



Battalion: 3d Battalion



Regiment: 9th Marines



Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF