Education University of Oregon Years of service 1927-1963 | Rank General Name Herbert Powell | |
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Born July 13, 1903
Monmouth, Oregon ( 1903-07-13 ) Battles/wars World War II
Korean War Died April 3, 1998, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States Other work United States Ambassador to New Zealand Commands held 17th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, United States Army Central | ||
Service/branch United States Army Battles and wars World War II, Korean War Allegiance United States of America | ||
Herbert Butler Powell (July 13, 1903 – April 3, 1998) was a U.S. Army General, and Commanding General of the U.S. Continental Army Command, and U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand.
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Early life & career
Powell was born in Monmouth, Oregon on July 13, 1903. He joined the Oregon National Guard as a Private in 1919, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He received his commission in 1927 after graduating from the University of Oregon with a degree in journalism.
During World War II, Powell was chief of staff of the 75th Infantry Division, fighting in Europe. In the Korean War, Powell commanded the only U.S. regiment, the 17th Infantry, to reach the Yalu River. Prior to coming to Fort Shafter, General Powell commanded the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks where he was known as the "Soldier's General." He briefly commanded the U.S. Army, Pacific for three months, from April to July 1956, as an interim commander for General Blackshear M. Bryan. Following his Command at U.S. Army, Pacific, he later received promotions to lieutenant general and general. Subsequent commands included Commanding General for the Third United States Army in Fort McPherson, Georgia, and Commanding General of the U.S. Continental Army Command, Fort Monroe, Virginia.
Other significant duties for General Powell were Commandant of the United States Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Deputy Commanding General for Reserve Forces at Fort Monroe. After his retirement in 1963, President John F. Kennedy appointed him U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, a post he filled from 1963 to 1967. He died on 3 April 1998 in a nursing home in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Awards and decorations
Powell's awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, the Purple Heart, and the Air Medal. He was also a qualified Army aviator. Powell was inducted posthumously into the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication Hall of Achievement on October 14, 2004.
Combat Infantryman Badge