Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2009 6:09 PM
To: Ken Hamill
Cc: Dick O'Donnell 

Subject: Re: 508 RCT Fatality

Ken/Dick: His name was Jim MNU [middle initial unknown] Powell. In my 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon "E" Co; also in my stick from a C-119.

His static line somehow got tangled with --- (we believe under) his "Griswold" container--containing a BAR.

He got hung up behind the C-119 for an instant --(about six of us went by him on exit), then the static line separated at the snap link -- a good thing and he went into free fall, but made no attempt to pull his reserve.

Ironically, I have a 8X10 black and white photo taken of him the morning of the jump on the ramp at Ashiya as we were loading by one of the guys in the 2nd plt. Most/all of the guys in "E" Co, signed the photo on the back. We intended to send the photo of Jim 'chuted up, to his family, but for whatever reason that did not happen.

Many-many years later I was contacted by (unknown) who knew Jim's sister. I recall mailing a copy of the photo to her. If interested I will rummage through my archives and attempt to locate the photo if one of you want it for 508th archives.

 Regards, Wil   

[jumpmaster note:  unfortunately, Wil never located that photo and is himself now deceased]