Oral history interview with David S. Powell recorded 2009 March 21

• Main Author: Powell, David S.
• Other Authors: Hurst, Eileen;
• Format: Moving Image (Video)
• Language: English
• Published: Central Connecticut State University. Center for Public Policy and Social Research; 2009
• Subjects: Korean War; 1950-1953; United States. Air Force; Communications; Military; 1950-1953 > Personal narratives; American; Veterans > Connecticut > Interviews; United States > Armed Forces > Officers; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://content.library.ccsu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/VHP/id/5789

Interview conducted by Eileen Hurst. David S. Powell enlisted in the U.S. Air Force shortly after his graduation from Yale University in 1952. He had come from a long line of family members who had fought or assisted in war efforts over the years, and felt it was his duty to join. Powell went to basic training at Sampson Air Force base, and then continued on there as a math instructor until 1953. He then went to Officer Candidate School at Lackland Air Force base, and received his commission in December of 1953. He was stationed initially at a naval base in Newfoundland, where his assignment was in communications. He was then moved to a base in St. Johns, Newfoundland, which was an improvement for him, because his wife was also allowed to stay there. The base was there in order to protect the Northern United States from communist attacks. After his discharge in January of 1957, he began working at SNET, where he ran the affirmative action program in later years. He also became involved in the rights and treatment of Vietnam veterans and established a meeting group devoted to this subject. Members of the group include Jeanne Christie and Glenn Nordin. Their interviews can also be found in this collection. 1st Lieutenant Veteran