Crosby Powell

Birthplace: Topeka, Kansas

Branch of Service: Army

Unit: Red Bull:34th Infantry Division, 168th Infantry, Company L Regiment

Theater of Operation: European

Enlisted / Commissioned: Nov 8, 1945

Highest Rank: Pfc

Military Honors: Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Presidential Unit Citation, French Croix de Guerre, Combat Infantry Badge, ETO Ribbon with 4 Stars, American Defense Ribbon,, Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal

Honored By: His Daughter and On November 11, 2019, Powell was presented with a quilt from the Quilts of Valor Foundation

Crosby Powell was wounded by shrapnel to his knee, throat, and back and suffered from severe trench feet during the 135 day Battle of Monte Casino. He was slung over the back of a donkey for a treacherous three-hour ride down a narrow steep mountainous path. He was then sent to an evacuation hospital in North Africa for three months of treatment. He had to relearn how to walk. He thought he would be sent back to the United States but instead was sent back to the Anzio beachhead to battle. He received his Purple Heart for dragging a wounded soldier he did not know back to safety at Monte Casino. He continued to suffer from his war injuries and from periodic nightmares. After World War II concluded, he joined the Kansas National Guard and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was employed by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad for over 40 years.