US People--Power, John V. First Lieutenant, USMCR.

PEOPLE--UNITED STATES

First Lieutenant John V. Power, USMCR, (1918-1944)

John Vincent Power was born on 20 November 1918 in Worcester, Massachusetts. He graduated from Holy Cross University and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from that state in July 1942. Shortly after enlisting, Power reported to the Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia for training and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in October. In January 1943, he completed training with the Fourteenth Reserve Officers Class at Quantico and joined Company E, Third Separate Battalion. The company transferred to the Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton, California, and the unit's designation was changed to Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marine Regiment and joined the Fourth Marine Division. In August, Power was promoted to First Lieutenant. During the new year, he departed to the Pacific war zone for combat duty.

On 1 February 1944, Power served as a Platoon Leader with his unit in action against the Japanese on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. Wounded in the stomach while setting a demolition charge on a Japanese pillbox, he charged another enemy emplacement and expended his ammunition into the opening. While reloading his weapon, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" on this occasion, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. John V. Power is buried at St. John's Cemetery at Worchester, Massachusetts.

USS Power (DD-839), 1945-1977, was named in honor of First Lieutenant John V. Power.

This page features the only image we have concerning John V. Power.

Photo #: NH 106425

First Lieutenant John V. Power, USMCR

Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 244.
John V. Power was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" while serving as a Platoon Leader attached to Fourth Marine Division in action against the Japanese on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands on 1 February 1944.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph

Online Image: 52KB; 580 x 765 pixels

Medal of Honor citation of First Lieutenant John V. Power, USMCR (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 244):

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Platoon Leader, attached to the FOURTH Marine Division, during the landing and battle of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944. Severely wounded in the stomach while setting a demolition charge on a Japanese pillbox, First Lieutenant Power was steadfast in his determination to remain in action. Protecting his wound with his left hand and firing with his right, he courageously advanced as another hostile position was taken under attack, fiercely charging the opening made by the explosion and emptying his carbine into the pillbox. While attempting to reload and continue the attack, First Lieutenant Power was shot again in the stomach and head and collapsed in the doorway. His exceptional valor, fortitude and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of withering enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

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