Capt Powers was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for actions during the Vietnam War.
Following text appears at http://projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=4357.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain [then Lieutenant Commander] Trent Richard Powers, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 31 October 1965 while serving as a pilot of jet attack aircraft with Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (VA-164), embarked in U.S.S. ORISKANY (CVA-34) during a combat mission over hostile territory in North Vietnam. Captain Powers was assigned the demanding and unusual task of leading a two-division, United States Air Force flight into an area heavily defended by anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles, with the mission of locating and destroying the missile installations. He planned the attack route and led the eight-plane group over more than six hundred miles of unfamiliar, cloud-shrouded, mountainous terrain, arriving in the target area precisely at a pre-briefed time that had been selected to coincide with the strikes of two carrier air wings against a bridge. The target area was the scene of an intense air-to-ground battle, many surface-to-air missiles were being fired and heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire was observed in all directions. With full knowledge of the serious hazards involved, Captain Powers courageously led the Air Force aircraft into battle. His bombs and those of the Air Force aircraft which he led inflicted severe damage to both missile sites. By his superior aeronautical skill and valiant determination, Captain Powers upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
Action Date: October 31, 1965
Service: Navy
Rank: Captain
Company: Attack Squadron 164 (VA-164)
Division: U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34)
Following submitted by FAB member no. 15818966:
"Captain Trent Richard Powers was born on August 24, 1930 and was an Unrestricted Line Officer (Pilot) with 12 years of service in the U.S. Navy, arriving in Vietnam assigned to Attack Squadron 164 (VA-164) Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16), USS Oriskany (CVA-34), Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.
On October 31 1965 LCDR Trent Richard Powers launched from the USS Oriskany in his A-4E Skyhawk for a combat mission over hostile territory in North Vietnam. LCDR Powers was assigned a demanding and unusual task. The mission of LCDR Powers was leading a two-division, U.S. Air Force flight of F-105 Thunderchief aircraft into an area heavily defended by anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles, to locate and destroy the missile installations. LCDR Powers planned the attack route and led the 8-plane group over more than 600 miles of unfamiliar, cloud-shrouded, mountainous terrain, arriving in the target area precisely at a pre-briefed time that had been selected to coincide with the strikes of 2 carrier air wings against a bridge. The target area was the scene of an intense air-to-ground battle with many surface-to-air missiles being fired and heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire was observed in all directions. With full awareness of the serious hazards involved, LCDR Powers courageously led the Air Force F-105 Thuds into battle. The bombs of LCDR Powers and those of the Air Force aircraft that he led, inflicted severe damage to both missile sites. LCDR Powers never returned from that mission. LCDR Powers was observed making a level bombing run at an altitude of about 200 feet. As the 2nd aircraft pulled off the target, the pilot observed a flash from the plane flown by LCDR Powers as if on fire. LCDR Powers' aircraft then turned and crashed into a bridge near, or on, Ca mountain in Ha Bac Province, Vietnam. LCDR Powers was seen parachuting from the plane, waving to indicate that he was okay. The area into which LCDR Powers parachuted was a heavily-populated valley about 35 miles north of Hanoi and about 1100 meters north of Ngoc Trac. Although electronic beeper signals were heard for about 30 seconds, no radio contact was ever established with LCDR Powers. Search and rescue efforts were called off due to heavy ground fire. The status of LCDR Powers was listed as Missing in Action. On January 17, 1967 it was assumed that LCDR Powers was captured so his status was changed to Prisoner of War. While in the POW status LCDR Powers was promoted to Captain. Though his full fate is unknown, it is generally believed that Captain Powers died in captivity. On November 25, 1987 remains were returned to the United States by the Vietnamese, that they believed were those of then CAPT Powers. On February 8, 1988 the remains were positively identified as belonging to CAPT Trent Richard Powers. CAPT Trent Powers was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism on October 31, 1965.
Captain Trent Richard Powers is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 3E, Line 10. "
Following text appears at http://projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=4357.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain [then Lieutenant Commander] Trent Richard Powers, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 31 October 1965 while serving as a pilot of jet attack aircraft with Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (VA-164), embarked in U.S.S. ORISKANY (CVA-34) during a combat mission over hostile territory in North Vietnam. Captain Powers was assigned the demanding and unusual task of leading a two-division, United States Air Force flight into an area heavily defended by anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles, with the mission of locating and destroying the missile installations. He planned the attack route and led the eight-plane group over more than six hundred miles of unfamiliar, cloud-shrouded, mountainous terrain, arriving in the target area precisely at a pre-briefed time that had been selected to coincide with the strikes of two carrier air wings against a bridge. The target area was the scene of an intense air-to-ground battle, many surface-to-air missiles were being fired and heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire was observed in all directions. With full knowledge of the serious hazards involved, Captain Powers courageously led the Air Force aircraft into battle. His bombs and those of the Air Force aircraft which he led inflicted severe damage to both missile sites. By his superior aeronautical skill and valiant determination, Captain Powers upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
Action Date: October 31, 1965
Service: Navy
Rank: Captain
Company: Attack Squadron 164 (VA-164)
Division: U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34)
Following submitted by FAB member no. 15818966:
"Captain Trent Richard Powers was born on August 24, 1930 and was an Unrestricted Line Officer (Pilot) with 12 years of service in the U.S. Navy, arriving in Vietnam assigned to Attack Squadron 164 (VA-164) Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16), USS Oriskany (CVA-34), Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.
On October 31 1965 LCDR Trent Richard Powers launched from the USS Oriskany in his A-4E Skyhawk for a combat mission over hostile territory in North Vietnam. LCDR Powers was assigned a demanding and unusual task. The mission of LCDR Powers was leading a two-division, U.S. Air Force flight of F-105 Thunderchief aircraft into an area heavily defended by anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles, to locate and destroy the missile installations. LCDR Powers planned the attack route and led the 8-plane group over more than 600 miles of unfamiliar, cloud-shrouded, mountainous terrain, arriving in the target area precisely at a pre-briefed time that had been selected to coincide with the strikes of 2 carrier air wings against a bridge. The target area was the scene of an intense air-to-ground battle with many surface-to-air missiles being fired and heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire was observed in all directions. With full awareness of the serious hazards involved, LCDR Powers courageously led the Air Force F-105 Thuds into battle. The bombs of LCDR Powers and those of the Air Force aircraft that he led, inflicted severe damage to both missile sites. LCDR Powers never returned from that mission. LCDR Powers was observed making a level bombing run at an altitude of about 200 feet. As the 2nd aircraft pulled off the target, the pilot observed a flash from the plane flown by LCDR Powers as if on fire. LCDR Powers' aircraft then turned and crashed into a bridge near, or on, Ca mountain in Ha Bac Province, Vietnam. LCDR Powers was seen parachuting from the plane, waving to indicate that he was okay. The area into which LCDR Powers parachuted was a heavily-populated valley about 35 miles north of Hanoi and about 1100 meters north of Ngoc Trac. Although electronic beeper signals were heard for about 30 seconds, no radio contact was ever established with LCDR Powers. Search and rescue efforts were called off due to heavy ground fire. The status of LCDR Powers was listed as Missing in Action. On January 17, 1967 it was assumed that LCDR Powers was captured so his status was changed to Prisoner of War. While in the POW status LCDR Powers was promoted to Captain. Though his full fate is unknown, it is generally believed that Captain Powers died in captivity. On November 25, 1987 remains were returned to the United States by the Vietnamese, that they believed were those of then CAPT Powers. On February 8, 1988 the remains were positively identified as belonging to CAPT Trent Richard Powers. CAPT Trent Powers was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism on October 31, 1965.
Captain Trent Richard Powers is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 3E, Line 10. "
Capt Powers was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for actions during the Vietnam War.
Following text appears at http://projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=4357.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain [then Lieutenant Commander] Trent Richard Powers, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 31 October 1965 while serving as a pilot of jet attack aircraft with Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (VA-164), embarked in U.S.S. ORISKANY (CVA-34) during a combat mission over hostile territory in North Vietnam. Captain Powers was assigned the demanding and unusual task of leading a two-division, United States Air Force flight into an area heavily defended by anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles, with the mission of locating and destroying the missile installations. He planned the attack route and led the eight-plane group over more than six hundred miles of unfamiliar, cloud-shrouded, mountainous terrain, arriving in the target area precisely at a pre-briefed time that had been selected to coincide with the strikes of two carrier air wings against a bridge. The target area was the scene of an intense air-to-ground battle, many surface-to-air missiles were being fired and heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire was observed in all directions. With full knowledge of the serious hazards involved, Captain Powers courageously led the Air Force aircraft into battle. His bombs and those of the Air Force aircraft which he led inflicted severe damage to both missile sites. By his superior aeronautical skill and valiant determination, Captain Powers upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
Action Date: October 31, 1965
Service: Navy
Rank: Captain
Company: Attack Squadron 164 (VA-164)
Division: U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34)
Following submitted by FAB member no. 15818966:
"Captain Trent Richard Powers was born on August 24, 1930 and was an Unrestricted Line Officer (Pilot) with 12 years of service in the U.S. Navy, arriving in Vietnam assigned to Attack Squadron 164 (VA-164) Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16), USS Oriskany (CVA-34), Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.
On October 31 1965 LCDR Trent Richard Powers launched from the USS Oriskany in his A-4E Skyhawk for a combat mission over hostile territory in North Vietnam. LCDR Powers was assigned a demanding and unusual task. The mission of LCDR Powers was leading a two-division, U.S. Air Force flight of F-105 Thunderchief aircraft into an area heavily defended by anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles, to locate and destroy the missile installations. LCDR Powers planned the attack route and led the 8-plane group over more than 600 miles of unfamiliar, cloud-shrouded, mountainous terrain, arriving in the target area precisely at a pre-briefed time that had been selected to coincide with the strikes of 2 carrier air wings against a bridge. The target area was the scene of an intense air-to-ground battle with many surface-to-air missiles being fired and heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire was observed in all directions. With full awareness of the serious hazards involved, LCDR Powers courageously led the Air Force F-105 Thuds into battle. The bombs of LCDR Powers and those of the Air Force aircraft that he led, inflicted severe damage to both missile sites. LCDR Powers never returned from that mission. LCDR Powers was observed making a level bombing run at an altitude of about 200 feet. As the 2nd aircraft pulled off the target, the pilot observed a flash from the plane flown by LCDR Powers as if on fire. LCDR Powers' aircraft then turned and crashed into a bridge near, or on, Ca mountain in Ha Bac Province, Vietnam. LCDR Powers was seen parachuting from the plane, waving to indicate that he was okay. The area into which LCDR Powers parachuted was a heavily-populated valley about 35 miles north of Hanoi and about 1100 meters north of Ngoc Trac. Although electronic beeper signals were heard for about 30 seconds, no radio contact was ever established with LCDR Powers. Search and rescue efforts were called off due to heavy ground fire. The status of LCDR Powers was listed as Missing in Action. On January 17, 1967 it was assumed that LCDR Powers was captured so his status was changed to Prisoner of War. While in the POW status LCDR Powers was promoted to Captain. Though his full fate is unknown, it is generally believed that Captain Powers died in captivity. On November 25, 1987 remains were returned to the United States by the Vietnamese, that they believed were those of then CAPT Powers. On February 8, 1988 the remains were positively identified as belonging to CAPT Trent Richard Powers. CAPT Trent Powers was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism on October 31, 1965.
Captain Trent Richard Powers is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 3E, Line 10. "
Following text appears at http://projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=4357.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain [then Lieutenant Commander] Trent Richard Powers, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 31 October 1965 while serving as a pilot of jet attack aircraft with Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (VA-164), embarked in U.S.S. ORISKANY (CVA-34) during a combat mission over hostile territory in North Vietnam. Captain Powers was assigned the demanding and unusual task of leading a two-division, United States Air Force flight into an area heavily defended by anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles, with the mission of locating and destroying the missile installations. He planned the attack route and led the eight-plane group over more than six hundred miles of unfamiliar, cloud-shrouded, mountainous terrain, arriving in the target area precisely at a pre-briefed time that had been selected to coincide with the strikes of two carrier air wings against a bridge. The target area was the scene of an intense air-to-ground battle, many surface-to-air missiles were being fired and heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire was observed in all directions. With full knowledge of the serious hazards involved, Captain Powers courageously led the Air Force aircraft into battle. His bombs and those of the Air Force aircraft which he led inflicted severe damage to both missile sites. By his superior aeronautical skill and valiant determination, Captain Powers upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
Action Date: October 31, 1965
Service: Navy
Rank: Captain
Company: Attack Squadron 164 (VA-164)
Division: U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34)
Following submitted by FAB member no. 15818966:
"Captain Trent Richard Powers was born on August 24, 1930 and was an Unrestricted Line Officer (Pilot) with 12 years of service in the U.S. Navy, arriving in Vietnam assigned to Attack Squadron 164 (VA-164) Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16), USS Oriskany (CVA-34), Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.
On October 31 1965 LCDR Trent Richard Powers launched from the USS Oriskany in his A-4E Skyhawk for a combat mission over hostile territory in North Vietnam. LCDR Powers was assigned a demanding and unusual task. The mission of LCDR Powers was leading a two-division, U.S. Air Force flight of F-105 Thunderchief aircraft into an area heavily defended by anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles, to locate and destroy the missile installations. LCDR Powers planned the attack route and led the 8-plane group over more than 600 miles of unfamiliar, cloud-shrouded, mountainous terrain, arriving in the target area precisely at a pre-briefed time that had been selected to coincide with the strikes of 2 carrier air wings against a bridge. The target area was the scene of an intense air-to-ground battle with many surface-to-air missiles being fired and heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire was observed in all directions. With full awareness of the serious hazards involved, LCDR Powers courageously led the Air Force F-105 Thuds into battle. The bombs of LCDR Powers and those of the Air Force aircraft that he led, inflicted severe damage to both missile sites. LCDR Powers never returned from that mission. LCDR Powers was observed making a level bombing run at an altitude of about 200 feet. As the 2nd aircraft pulled off the target, the pilot observed a flash from the plane flown by LCDR Powers as if on fire. LCDR Powers' aircraft then turned and crashed into a bridge near, or on, Ca mountain in Ha Bac Province, Vietnam. LCDR Powers was seen parachuting from the plane, waving to indicate that he was okay. The area into which LCDR Powers parachuted was a heavily-populated valley about 35 miles north of Hanoi and about 1100 meters north of Ngoc Trac. Although electronic beeper signals were heard for about 30 seconds, no radio contact was ever established with LCDR Powers. Search and rescue efforts were called off due to heavy ground fire. The status of LCDR Powers was listed as Missing in Action. On January 17, 1967 it was assumed that LCDR Powers was captured so his status was changed to Prisoner of War. While in the POW status LCDR Powers was promoted to Captain. Though his full fate is unknown, it is generally believed that Captain Powers died in captivity. On November 25, 1987 remains were returned to the United States by the Vietnamese, that they believed were those of then CAPT Powers. On February 8, 1988 the remains were positively identified as belonging to CAPT Trent Richard Powers. CAPT Trent Powers was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism on October 31, 1965.
Captain Trent Richard Powers is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 3E, Line 10. "
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