10/15/2026
Today we celebrate Donald R. Powell on the anniversary of his birth.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Archie Powell. He joined the US national Guard at Menomonie, WI. on October 15th, 1940. He trained at Camp Livingston, LA. and at Camp Devers, Massachusetts. He traveled to California and entered the fighting in New Guinea.
At the time of his death 32nd Infantry was engaged in the Battle of Buna–Gona
The battle of Buna–Gona was part of the New Guinea campaign in the Pacific theater during World War II. It lasted from 16 November 1942 until 22 January 1943.
American forces entered Buna village on 14 December but a virtual stalemate developed on the eastern flank. This was relieved by the arrival of the Australian 18th Brigade and Stuart tanks of 2/6th Armoured Regiment. With an attack on 18 December, steady progress thereafter followed. By 3 January, the Buna area, as far as the Girua River, had been cleared.
Civilian Occupation - Shoemaker and shoe repairmen
