"If I have any character at all,
I got it from my mother and from combat."
Since Memorial Day is coming up, we are honored to recognize a legendary and heroic client of ours, Capt. Robert "Punchy" Powell. After learning more about his life story and time at war, we were thrilled to write about him and show our appreciation for all that he did for our country. Punchy Powell served as a WWII Fighter Pilot in the 328th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group from 1942-1944, and the Korean War from 1950-1954. His story is amazing and he should be celebrated for his hard work and bravery.
Punchy was born in 1920 and grew up in Wilcoe, West Virginia. He worked in and around coal mines to earn money to pay for college tuition at WVU. His college career was interrupted by the war, but he was able to complete his degree in Journalism in 1947.
Capt. Powell is a very humble man and his character, integrity and hard work are all traits that most of us aspire to have. He lived the American dream by serving his country, going to college, marrying his childhood sweetheart, raising a family, and having a successful career. He is also well known for his book, The Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney which is now considered a collector's item. We think he is an All American Hero and our words are only a small fraction of his story.
There is a wealth of information about Capt. Powell available through books and websites, but we thought we would ask a few questions that might not be easily found. Capt. Powell was more than happy to answer our questions that we had for him regarding his service to our great country.
What was your most memorable action?
Hard to choose between my first aerial victory and two other missions from which I came close to not returning. My first aerial victory was scored on a return from a bomber escort mission when two German fighter bombers went under us. I did not see them because I was checking the skies behind us to make sure we would not be surprised. I was flying as wingman for my Squadron Commander on my sixth mission. Neither of us had ever engaged an enemy plane at that time. It was only my sixth mission. He failed to call me and went down to attack them. When I looked back forward again he was in a dive for them. I followed quickly. As I got back into position again, I saw his guns were firing and looked out in front of him and saw this big two-engine fighter he was shooting up. At the same time, I saw another in front of me and I started shooting at that one. We both scored victories the first time we fired our guns in air to air combat, a very exciting moment!
Why do they call you "Punchy?"
When in high school, I was only about 110 pounds and one day one of the bigger boys passing me in the hallway knocked me down by bumping me with his shoulder (in fun, not malice), but spilling my books. I got up mad as a hornet and started hitting him with my fists. He grabbed my hands and laughed at me and said, "You're a feisty little bastard, why don't you come out for the boxing team?"
So I did. One year later, I was the West Virginia Golden Gloves champion flyweight, hence the nickname that stuck with me all through my service days and still does.
How often do you get to reunite with other WWII pilots?
I belong to the Silver Wings Fraternity and the Order of Daedalians and there are other WWII pilots in both organizations although our numbers are dying out fast. My wife and I have also handled 16 annual reunions of my famous 352nd Fighter Group and I stay in touch to all of our veterans each year and via e-mail, telephone and visits.
What is the most important lesson you learned during your military service?
The true value of friendships. There is a bond among men who have had to fly and fight together like no other bond, even that between brothers.
