James Conrad Powers

James “Jim” Conrad Powers grew up on the family farm outside of Dubuque. Powers attended St. Anthony’s Grade School run by the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He graduated from Loras Academy High School in the class of 1958. While in school he was a member of the 4-H club and a junior ROTC cadet. From high school Powers went on to study at the Northwestern Prep School in Minneapolis and then onto the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Powers dreamed of attending West Point and in 1960 he was awarded an appointment to the United States Military Academy by Congressman James Bromwell, ultimately graduating from West Point in the class of 1964. His first assignment after graduation was at Fort Lewis, Washington where he met his wife. A few months after his wedding he received orders to Southeast Asia. CPT Powers began his tour in July 1966 as an infantry unit commander in the 4th Infantry Division. On May 26, 1967 his unit was caught in an enemy ambush on Hill 521, west of Pleiku. CAPT Powers was killed during the opening ambush assault. His body was returned to the United States and buried at the Evergreen – Washelli Memorial Cemetery in Seattle, WA. He was 27 years old at the time of his death. The Captain James C. Powers Scholarship Fund was established by his widow, awarding scholarships to deserving graduates of St. Anthony’s Grade School every year since his death.