SGT. Leo J. Powers
During World War II Leo J. Powers became the first of four recipients in the Transportation Branch whom received the Congressional Medal of Honor, which is rewarded to military officials who are characterized by evident heroism and audaciousness in the line of duty. Powers was born on April 5th, 1909 in the city of Anselmo, Nebraska. In his thirties, he developed an acute foot problem and trained to become an Army mechanic. Soon after, he left for the frontlines of Italy, during World War II. (Tribune Staff, 1945)

In September 1942, he joined the United States Army from Alder Gulch, Montana, and within two years, he became part of the 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division. At that time, he was a Private First Class in his unit. During the time of World War II, Powers as a Private First Class in the 34th Infantry Division, his unit was designated on the main enemy point the Northwest of Cassino, Italy to incarcerate the Hill 175 that was occupied by the Germans. It was anticipated that the enemy could be at the minimum of 50 soldiers with the power of machine guns. They were located in three pill boxes and mortar fire stationed behind the hill. Their power of fire helped them to undermine the attackers and cause eight deaths. Pfc. Powers’ unit was in a position that they could not precede, however, Powers initiated singly amidst terrible fire. He crept frontward to attack one of the enemies’ pill boxes that he had witnessed. With great courage, he stood up within 15 yards of the enemies’ reach and attempted to throw one of the two grenades he had into the pillbox. Though he anticipated death if spotted by the enemy, he got successful in his goal to destroy the pillbox. This attempt killed two of his enemies, wounded a few, while others fled from the position.

The company now got the opportunity to move forward towards