Lt. John Vincent Power Memorial - Worcester, MA
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neoc1
N 42° 15.730 W 071° 48.125
19T E 268884 N 4682687
Lt. John Vincent Power Memorial is located on the south side of the City Hall building in Worcester.
Waymark Code: WMD2TG
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 11/11/2011
Views: 2
John Vincent Power (November 20, 1918 – February 1, 1944) was the first citizen of Worcester to be awarded the Medal of Honor. While serving in the United States Marine Corps he died in action during the Battle of Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, in World War II. A monument in his honor consists of a bronze statue and a plaque.
An 8.25' high bronze figure of Lt. John Vincent Power was sculpted by Aristide Berto Cianfarani and cast at the Gorham Brothers Foundry. The statue stands on top an 8' by 5' by 5' square granite base. Lt. Power is wearing World War II era battle fatigues and a helmet. He and carries a rifle slung over his right shoulder. His right hand rests on the rifle strap and his left hand rests on his left hip were he is wearing a large sheathed knife.
A plaque on the base contains the inscriptions of the Medal of Honor citation followed by the dedication. The citation is inscribed:
The president of the United States takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor posthumously to FIRST LIETENANT JOHN V. POWER United States Marine Corps Reserve for service as set forth in the following citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as platoon leader, attached to the 4th 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, 1st Lt. 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, 1st Lt. 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 U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
--signed Franklin Roosevelt
The dedication is inscribed:
*** IN HONOR OF ***
JOHN VINCENT POWER
AND TO PERPETUATE
THE MEMORY OF HIS
BRAVE DEEDS AND
SUPREME SACRIFICE
FOR OUR COUNTRY
THIS MONUMENT IS
DEDICATED BY THE
CITY OF WORCESTER
**** 1947 ****