The Marksman of Easy Company: The Story of Darrell “Shifty” Powers
He was born on the 13th of March 1923 in Clinchco, Virginia and he grew up in a rural area where hunting and the outdoors was part of life. His father taught him to shoot, and over time he developed an extraordinary ability and his level of accuracy was incredible. This was not just a pastime for him, it became part of who he was. His nickname “Shifty” came from his agility and skill on the basketball court.
After finishing school, he trained as a machinist and began working in a naval shipyard. But, when he realised that this work might prevent him from serving overseas, he decided to enlist in the United States Army. So he and a friend enlisted in 1942.
Powers joined Easy Company and trained in England before taking part in the D-Day landings. He landed off target, as did many of his company, in Normandy, but they managed to regroup and continued fighting. He fought through many key campaigns, including the Netherlands and the harsh winter fighting during the Battle of the Bulge.
One moments that revealed his skill most eas when he once spotted what appeared to be a new tree in the distance, which turned out to be enemy camouflage, this led to a successful attack. On another occasion, he located and killed a hidden sniper with a single shot. These were not only acts of bravery, but amazing skill and calm under enormous pressure.
After the war, he returned to life as a machinist. His story reminds me that not all heroes seek attention, some simply do what they are trained to do, with remarkable skill and determination.
Shifty died on the 17th of June 17 2009 at the age of 86, in the same town he was born in.
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