Tom Powell

Tom Powell’s Personal Narrative was derived from information found in public records, military personnel files, and local/state historical association materials. Please note that the Robb Centre never fully closes the book on our servicemembers; as new information becomes available, narratives will be updated to appropriately represent the life story of each veteran.

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Military Honor(s):

Distinguished Service Cross: Posthumousy awarded

Citation: 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 Tom Powell (ASN: 2649392), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company H, 370th Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, A.E.F., near Beaume, France, 8 November 1918. Private Powell repeatedly carried messages under severe enemy fire to the various units in the vicinity of his company, until he was killed while in the performance of his duty.

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Life & Service

  • Birth: 22 February 1890, Hawkinsville, GA, United States
  • Place of Residence: Cochran, GA, United States
  • Race/Ethnicity: African American
  • Death: 8 November 1918 Beaume, France
  • Branch: Army
  • Military Rank: Private
  • Company: [H]
  • Infantry Regiment: 370th
  • Division: 93rd
Personal Narrative
Early Life (Pre-War): Includes general parent information, sibling information, education Toggle Accordion

Tom Powell was born to Frank Powell (1844-?) and Eliza Fountain (1855-?) on 22 February 1890 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia. Powell was the fifth of ten children; Ida (1881-?), Eddie (1885-1961), Archie (1886-?), Ollie (1888-?), Sallie (1891-?), Cora (1896-?), Hattie (1898-?), Jessie (1898-?), and Ruth (1899-?). The family resided in Hartford, Georgia, where Powell, Sr. was a farm laborer. In the 1910s, Powell worked on a farm in Norman Park, Colquitt, Georgia.

Powell indicated he was married, but his wife’s name is unknown.  

Service: Includes a summary of transfers, rank change(s), training, enlistment, and discharge locations Toggle Accordion

Powell enlisted on 4 April 1918 and was assigned to Co. 64, 4th Training Btn, 157th Depot Brig. until 1 June 1918, then Co. 7, 2nd Training Btn, 157th Depot Brig. to 11 June; Co. K, 370th Infantry Regiment, 93rd Division, AEF to 15 October, and finally Co. H, 370th Infantry Regiment, 93rd Division, AEF. Private Powell left Hoboken, New Jersey aboard the U.S. Army Transport Ship President Grant on 30 June 1918. Powell Posthumously received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions near Beaume, France on 8 November 1918;

“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 Tom Powell (ASN: 2649392), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company H, 370th Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, A.E.F., near Beaume, France, 8 November 1918. Private Powell repeatedly carried messages under severe enemy fire to the various units in the vicinity of his company, until he was killed while in the performance of his duty.”

Later Life (Post-War): Includes post-war education, occupation, marriage(s) and/or children, location and date of death Toggle Accordion

Powell died on 8 November 1918. He was initially buried in a Communal Cemetery in Beaume, France, but disinterred on 22 December 1920 and reburied on 24 December in Grave #156, Section W, Plot 4, (now Plot B, Row 1, Section 67) Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial in Belleau, France.