"Shifty" Powers goes on ahead.

Kemosabe · 07-15-2009, 03:57 AM

Darrell "Shifty" Powers.

Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.

**"I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle", the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat.

Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made.

Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 . . . " at which point my heart skipped.

At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.

I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what
D-Day was. At that point he said "I also made a second jump into Holland, into Arnhem." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . . and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day.

I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said "Yes. And it's real sad because these days so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.

I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I'd take his in coach.

He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and still care is enough to make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this.

Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer.

There was no parade.

No big event in Staples Center.

No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.

No weeping fans on television.

Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet way."

**Not me.

Yellowjacket56 · 07-15-2009, 09:37 AM

You are wrong sir. There are wet eyes here in my home. God bless them all, The long,
the short the Tall.
Godspeed Shifty.

twtalbot · 07-15-2009, 01:32 PM

Rest in peace Shifty. You've earned it.

tbird430 · 07-15-2009, 01:34 PM

God bless "Shifty" and all those who fought along side him....

rl69 · 07-15-2009, 01:42 PM

great post kemosabe wish the world could read this and understand

ArkansasHunter · 07-15-2009, 01:48 PM

Thank you Shifty and may God have a special place in Heaven for men like you.
I'll be back I got something in my eyes.

DesertRaider109 · 07-15-2009, 03:45 PM

Great post, so true about the lack of fanfare for a REAL hero!

RIP Shifty Powers

captsquirrel · 07-15-2009, 07:34 PM

God speed Shifty! May you rest in peace. You are assured a place in Heaven as you've already served your time in hell.

petrol · 07-15-2009, 07:55 PM

I've always felt veterans are given a raw deal. When I was a kid in England I would always march in the Parades for D Day, and Memorial day (as an Army cadet). I was always moved by the sight of those dignified old gentlemen in their uniforms. Even though i ended up not pursuing a career in the military I have nothing but respect for those men and women who went out knowing what they may have to sacrifice. It breaks my heart every time I see a homeless vet. or read about the conditions of the VA hospitals.
I try to send a gift to they guys out there now when I can. Not much, i know, buta couple of bags of decent coffee and a note of thanks.

Thank you to all who served.

The Russian · 07-15-2009, 08:23 PM

What a great man and my favorite person on Band Of Brothers, RIP Shifty.

troy2000 · 07-15-2009, 09:08 PM

My dad was one of those quiet heroes. He hated it when someone tried to make a big deal out of his service. His attitude was that he had simply done what any normal man would have done, if given a chance or a choice.

captsquirrel · 07-15-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troy2000

My dad was one of those quiet heroes. He hated it when someone tried to make a big deal out of his service. His attitude was that he had simply done what any normal man would have done, if given a chance or a choice.

I think a lot of them are like your Dad Troy. One doesn't have to believe in heroes to be one. He did his part and I for one am grateful.

Iron_Colonel · 07-16-2009, 01:05 AM

I have watched the series many times. I don't care how many times I see it, but when its on the History Ch. I will watch as many episodes as I can. IMO, the show never gets old, even if I know what is going to happen next, or what they are going to say or do. The interviews are the most interesting, and 60+ years later, it is still hard to recall those grim details of battle. I can't imagine what it was like for the men that served, especially those in the 101st at Bastogne. It is unfortunate that so many of the veterans are passing on at such a high rate this day in age. I'm sure every one of them would humbly state they wouldn't want all the media footage at a funeral, because I sure am tired of the media coverage with all the Michael Jackson stuff. He doesn't deserve any of it. We know who deserves it. All that served and have been killed in action. Those are the real heroes. I can recall a quote by Dick Winters in one of his interviews on Band of Brothers when his grandson asked him if he was a hero. He simply said those that didn't come home are the real heroes. I have lost a friend to the war in Iraq. The only thing he asked for if he didn't make it back after his tour was up, was a scholarship in his honor where we went to high school together. It has been more than three years now, and the scholarship grows more and more each year as word gets around. Where is the media coverage for something like this? Something for the vets? Thanks to all that have served, and are still serving. And thanks to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.

loosecannon25i · 07-16-2009, 03:42 PM

That's amazing that you actually got to have a convo with him. i prolly would have gotten all choked up as well. War is brutal. It's amazing he made it out alive and he was lucky to have lived a full life.

Here's to Shifty!! (chugs beer)

tlarkin · 07-16-2009, 03:54 PM

What a great post. Too bad you couldn't have recorded it.

Kemosabe · 07-16-2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loosecannon25i

That's amazing that you actually got to have a convo with him. i prolly would have gotten all choked up as well. War is brutal. It's amazing he made it out alive and he was lucky to have lived a full life.

Here's to Shifty!! (chugs beer)

I'm very sorry if I left the impression that this actually happened to me. It did not. I put most of the meat of my initial post in quotation marks and included the footnote **Not me.

It did apparently happen to someone who posted it somewhere, where I found it and intended merely to relay the sad new.

The interviews with him on the "BoB" DVDs reveal what a nice, gentle, and thoughtful person he was. The world needs so many more people like "Shifty", yet the low-lifes seem to be multiplying while folks like "Shifty" should be on the endangered species list. I just had a mental image of him, lying on a cloud - guarding the Gates, from a distance, with his trusty Garand.

Talk to your Fathers and Grandfathers - before its too late.

Talk to your Sons, Fathers, Brothers, friends who've been to one of the sandboxes. At least tell them that you are proud of their sacrifice and service.

loosecannon25i · 07-16-2009, 04:04 PM

^^ ahh... i was wondering why you put "Not Me" in there. I agree... there are too many scumbags out there. and the numbers grow by the minute lol.

tlarkin · 07-16-2009, 04:06 PM

My co-worker's grandpa fought side by side with Isenhower. I so want to go interview him and then write about it.

I am going to go pick up a digital recorder and start to keep one on me at all times.

White Rook · 07-16-2009, 04:29 PM

That is a great story. We owe our Veterans a lot more than they recieved for just doing their jobs.

Below is a picture of "Shifty"

White Rook · 07-16-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlarkin

My co-worker's grandpa fought side by side with Isenhower. I so want to go interview him and then write about it.

I am going to go pick up a digital recorder and start to keep one on me at all times.

If I'm not mistaken Esienhower never saw any Combat in his Army Career. You can look it up on Wikipedia.

07-15-2009, 03:57 AM	#1
Kemosabe Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Nuevo Mexico Posts: 29	"Shifty" Powers goes on ahead. Darrell "Shifty" Powers. Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them. "I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle", the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat. Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made. Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 . . . " at which point my heart skipped. At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped. I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what D-Day was. At that point he said "I also made a second jump into Holland, into Arnhem." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . . and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day. I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said "Yes. And it's real sad because these days so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say. I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I'd take his in coach. He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and still care is enough to make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this. Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer. There was no parade. No big event in Staples Center. No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage. No weeping fans on television. Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet way." Not me.

07-15-2009, 01:32 PM	#3
twtalbot Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 471	Rest in peace Shifty. You've earned it. __________________ My rifle and pistol are only tools. I am the weapon.

07-15-2009, 01:34 PM	#4
tbird430 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 122	God bless "Shifty" and all those who fought along side him.... __________________ "I love the smell of napalm in the morning..."

07-15-2009, 01:42 PM	#5
rl69 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: brookeland tex Posts: 1,425	great post kemosabe wish the world could read this and understand __________________ get your facts first and then you can distort them as much as you please IN GOD WE TRUST

07-15-2009, 01:48 PM	#6
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 18,224	Thank you Shifty and may God have a special place in Heaven for men like you. I'll be back I got something in my eyes. __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER

07-15-2009, 09:37 AM	#2
Yellowjacket56 Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Wshington State Posts: 6	You are wrong sir. There are wet eyes here in my home. God bless them all, The long, the short the Tall. Godspeed Shifty.

07-15-2009, 03:45 PM	#7
DesertRaider109 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 434 Blog Entries: 1	Great post, so true about the lack of fanfare for a REAL hero! RIP Shifty Powers __________________ "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

07-15-2009, 07:34 PM	#8
captsquirrel Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Las Vegas, NV. Posts: 1,688	God speed Shifty! May you rest in peace. You are assured a place in Heaven as you've already served your time in hell. __________________ "I have learned to use the word 'impossible' with the greatest caution." Werner Von Braun

07-15-2009, 07:55 PM	#9
petrol Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lost Angeles Posts: 825	I've always felt veterans are given a raw deal. When I was a kid in England I would always march in the Parades for D Day, and Memorial day (as an Army cadet). I was always moved by the sight of those dignified old gentlemen in their uniforms. Even though i ended up not pursuing a career in the military I have nothing but respect for those men and women who went out knowing what they may have to sacrifice. It breaks my heart every time I see a homeless vet. or read about the conditions of the VA hospitals. I try to send a gift to they guys out there now when I can. Not much, i know, buta couple of bags of decent coffee and a note of thanks. Thank you to all who served.

07-15-2009, 08:23 PM	#10
The Russian Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 25	What a great man and my favorite person on Band Of Brothers, RIP Shifty.

07-15-2009, 09:08 PM	#11
troy2000 Banned Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern California Posts: 14,553	My dad was one of those quiet heroes. He hated it when someone tried to make a big deal out of his service. His attitude was that he had simply done what any normal man would have done, if given a chance or a choice.

07-16-2009, 01:05 AM	#13
Iron_Colonel Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington St. Posts: 3,661	I have watched the series many times. I don't care how many times I see it, but when its on the History Ch. I will watch as many episodes as I can. IMO, the show never gets old, even if I know what is going to happen next, or what they are going to say or do. The interviews are the most interesting, and 60+ years later, it is still hard to recall those grim details of battle. I can't imagine what it was like for the men that served, especially those in the 101st at Bastogne. It is unfortunate that so many of the veterans are passing on at such a high rate this day in age. I'm sure every one of them would humbly state they wouldn't want all the media footage at a funeral, because I sure am tired of the media coverage with all the Michael Jackson stuff. He doesn't deserve any of it. We know who deserves it. All that served and have been killed in action. Those are the real heroes. I can recall a quote by Dick Winters in one of his interviews on Band of Brothers when his grandson asked him if he was a hero. He simply said those that didn't come home are the real heroes. I have lost a friend to the war in Iraq. The only thing he asked for if he didn't make it back after his tour was up, was a scholarship in his honor where we went to high school together. It has been more than three years now, and the scholarship grows more and more each year as word gets around. Where is the media coverage for something like this? Something for the vets? Thanks to all that have served, and are still serving. And thanks to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. You will not be forgotten. __________________ Mosin Nagant evangelist on a mission to convert YOU!

07-16-2009, 03:42 PM	#14
loosecannon25i Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 2	That's amazing that you actually got to have a convo with him. i prolly would have gotten all choked up as well. War is brutal. It's amazing he made it out alive and he was lucky to have lived a full life. Here's to Shifty!! (chugs beer)

07-16-2009, 03:54 PM	#15
tlarkin Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449 Blog Entries: 2	What a great post. Too bad you couldn't have recorded it.

07-16-2009, 04:04 PM	#17
loosecannon25i Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 2	^^ ahh... i was wondering why you put "Not Me" in there. I agree... there are too many scumbags out there. and the numbers grow by the minute lol.

07-16-2009, 04:06 PM	#18
tlarkin Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449 Blog Entries: 2	My co-worker's grandpa fought side by side with Isenhower. I so want to go interview him and then write about it. I am going to go pick up a digital recorder and start to keep one on me at all times.

07-16-2009, 04:29 PM	#19
White Rook Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: South West Ohio Posts: 2,235	That is a great story. We owe our Veterans a lot more than they recieved for just doing their jobs. Below is a picture of "Shifty" __________________ USAF SSgt 80-86 IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER