Gerald Stephen Powlistha

Gerald “Jerry” Powlistha grew up in Maquoketa and graduated from high school in 1966. He entered the Army after school and, after training, arrived in Vietnam in July 1968. Powlistha served with the 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division. He was based in Gia Dinh Province where his unit was responsible for reconnaissance and bridge security for river boat traffic. On June 5, 1969 Sergeant Powlistha was killed while on combat operations. He was buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Maquoketa.