July 15, 2009 8:06 AM
Darrell "Shifty" Powers
During WWII, the men of the 101st Airborne did as much to save the future of the entire world as probably any other group of men in the entire history of humanity. Also known as the Screaming Eagles, these men are the "Band of Brothers" that inspired a book
and a mini-series
(A Curtis Family Favorite, highly recommended for families bringing up boys to be men, and yet another good reason to join Netflix).
Subject: Memorial Service: you're invited.We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.
I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.
Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.
I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle", the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat.
Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made.
Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 . . . " at which point my heart skipped.
At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.
I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what D-Day was. At that point he said "I also made a second jump into Holland, into Arnhem ." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . . and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day.
I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France , and he said "Yes. And it's real sad because these days so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.
I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I'd take his in coach.
He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and still care is enough to make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this.
Shifty died on June 17, 2009 after fighting cancer.
There was no parade.
No big event in Staples Center .
No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.
No weeping fans on television.
And that's not right.
Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to the veterans.
Rest in peace, Shifty.
HT: A Mac and a Mug o'Joe
For true stories of heroism to inspire the men in your family, introduce them to D-Day:Normandy and Beyond. Looks like great material for fathers and sons to share. Here you will find personal memoirs - including Shifty's.
Posted in Everyday Heroes, Fathers, Inspiration, Military matters, Veterans Day | Permalink
Comments
Thanks Barbara, for passing this on. I added it to my blog. Band of Brothers is a remarkable story and must be passed on to each generation. My 13 yo boy has a passion for WWII and we watch the series about once a year.
Posted by: Barb | July 15, 2009 10:56 AM
Very sad - it breaks my heart that so many of our heroes from WWII and more recent wars have been mistreated or forgotten. We owe these men our eternal gratitude! Thankfully, things seem to be improving. Here is a comment from the Hot Air blog - the video will bring tears to your eyes ...
Americans all over America are stepping up!…: o )
Killed in action the week before, the body of Sergeant First Class John C. Beale was returned to Falcon Field in Peachtree City , Georgia , just south of Atlanta , on June 11, 2009 . The Henry County Police Department escorted the procession to the funeral home in McDonough , Georgia . A simple notice in local papers indicated the road route to be taken and the approximate time. Nowadays one can be led to believe that America no longer respects honor and no longer honors sacrifice outside the military. Be it known that there are many places in this land where people still recognize the courage and impact of total self-..sacrifice. The link below is a short travelogue of that day’s remarkable and painful journey. But only watch this if you wish to have some of your faith in people restored.
http://blip.tv/play/AYGJ5h6YgmE
Posted by: Anne | July 15, 2009 5:25 PM
Thank you for posting this. My husband and I have watched Band of Brothers no less than 5 times. We both love the character (or sometimes lack of character) lessons in leadership. So sad to hear of Shifty's passing. In his interviews he was always so gentle and honest.
We'll miss you Shifty!
Posted by: Deborah | July 16, 2009 2:53 PM
