Lowell Stephen PowersChief Warrant OfficerA CO, 159TH ASHB, 101 ABN DIV Army of the United States 25 September 1946 - 08 January 1979 Scottsdale, Arizona Panel 27W Line 002 |
 
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The database page for Lowell Stephen Powers
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I wore Lowell Powers' POW/MIA bracelet for several years. I just recently learned through a friend who visited the Wall that CWO Powers did not return. It saddens me to find that we lost him, but now some of my questions have been answered. I've thought of him many times over the years. HE IS NOT FORGOTTEN.
Linda Beil
Visit the 101st Airborne at |
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It is Labor Day weekend, September 2006. I just returned from Arlington National Cemetery where my great Uncle was buried with full military honors. I have had CWO Lowell Powers' MIA bracelet for many years and decided to look up his name hoping to bring closure to the mystery surrounding his MIA status. My children are asking questions about the Vietnam War and I explained to them the significance of the MIA bracelet. Although I did not know CWO Powers over the years he and his family have not been far from my thoughts. Like my uncle, he is a hero in my mind and we will always be indebted to him for his service and ultimate sacrifice to our country.
The Hansen Family |
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I have had his bracelet it seems forever. I have thought of him so many times over the years. I have a deep respect for all soldiers who have lost their lives for us and for those fighting today. We should never forget, I know I never will forget this young man, Lowell, that I never knew, who will always have a place in my heart. If any of his family sees this, please know that he is not forgotten.
Anita Blevins |
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I have had CWO Lowell Powers' [4-2-69] MIA bracelet for many years and have tried many times to contact a family member so I could give the bracelet to them, but without any success. If any of you know a family member please contact me at 765.363.3913 or by e-mail me. Thank you.
James Lee Sumpter |
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I knew Lowell when I was younger. He was 6 years older and was dating my sister. He was one of the funniest guys I've ever known and was a good friend to a little guy like me. He even insisted on taking me along on some of their dates! What a guy!! Lowell was a helicopter mechanic and served a tour of duty in Viet Nam, but deceided that he wanted to fly so he volunteered for another tour and was killed. Someone that was on the helicopter with Lowell came to visit his mother when he returned to the States and told her that Lowell was trying to help other men out of the aircraft when it exploded. Lowell was always a hero to me and always will be. I too wear a bracelet with his name on it and am honored to know that others do too. Lowell deserves to be remembered!
From a friend, |
Notes from The Virtual WallOn 2 April 1969, aircraft commander Major Butler and copilot WO1 Lowell Powers, both of A/159th ASHB, took their CH-47 CHINOOK (hull number 67-18523) into a landing zone south of Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province, where about 73 members of the ARVN 9th Popular Forces Company were loaded onto the aircraft.On lift-off, the aircraft lost power and settled to earth, touching down on the side of a ravine. It then rolled down to the bottom of the ravine, coming to rest on its left side. When it settled, Major Butler asked WO1 Powers if he was all right and received a positive response. Major Butler also reported that WO Powers released his harness and called back through the companionway to the passenger compartment. Butler left the aircraft through the left window and did not see WO1 Powers again. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter began to explode. Although ARVN, American, and Australian personnel (the latter from MACV Advisory Team 19) reached the crash site in short order, their ability to rescue the men still within the burning helicopter was limited at best. The result of the crash was one American (WO1 Powers) missing, 23 ARVN killed, and 50 ARVN wounded. That night, the area was secured by an ARVN company, and the next morning an ARVN and 3rd Marine Division Graves Registration team started the recovery of the remains. The ARVN team recovered what was thought to be 17 bodies and the Marine team recovered 3 bodies. It was later determined that all 3 of the remains recovered by the Marines were Vietnamese. Efforts were made by the U.S. Army mortuary officer to exhume the ARVN remains to determine if WO1 Powers was among those remains turned over to the Vietnamese next of kin, but his efforts were unsuccessful because of Vietnamese religious constraints. Warrant Officer Powers' remains have not been repatriated. |
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 9 Jul 2001
Last updated 08/10/2009