04 February 2010

Ralph Powers' Honorable Discharge

Honorable Discharge from the Army of the United States

Ralph N. Powers

Ralph N. Powers #3467347
1205 S. Saginaw St., Flint, Mich.

Pvt Students Army Training corps, Valparaiso Univ., Valparaiso, Ind.
The U. S. Army, as a Testimonial of Honest and Faithful Service, is hereby Honorably Discharged from the military service of the United States by reason of E. J. S. per Tel. A. G. O. November 26, 1918

Said Ralph N. Powers was born in Battle Creek, in the State of Michigan. When enlisted he was 22 years of age and by occupation a farmer. He had L. Blue eyes, Dk brown hair, fair complexion, and was five feet eight inches in height.

Given under my hand at Valparaiso, Indiana this 14th day of December, one thousand nine hundred and eighteen.

Herman Schnirloh
Major Infantry, Commanding


12-14-18 J. R. Burch BK Valparaiso, Indiana 10-1-10532

Recorded Mar 10, 1919 - Soldier's Discharge Record
Vol ?, Page 8, Genesee Co., Mich
Jesse L. Good, Co. Clerk

Enlistment Record

Ralph N. Powers #3467347
Grade: Pvt.
Enlisted: August 14, 1918 at Flint, Michigan
Serving in first enlistment period at date of discharge
Prior service* None
Marksmanship, gunner qualification or rating: Not qualified
Horsemanship: not mounted
Battles, engagements, skirmishes, expeditions: Noe
Knowledge of any vocation: Farmer
Wounds received in service: None
Physical condition when discharged: Good
Triple Typhoid prophylaxis completed: Sept 6, 1918
Married or single: Single
Character: Excellent
Remarks: Entitled to travel pay No A.W.O.L.
No absence from duty under G.O. 31-1912 or G.O. 45, 1914

Signature of soldier: Ralph N. Powers
Entitled to travel pay to Flint, Mich

Signed: DeWitt C. Smith, Jr.
Capt. A. S. S. C.
Commanding Co. "C"

Stamped Chicago, Ill. Dec 14, 1918
Paid in full $31.49
? Kinney?
Maj. Q.M.C.

It was my understanding that while in the Student Army Training Corps, my grandfather, Ralph N. Powers, was on a balcony that collapsed. The accident may have happened in Ann Arbor, Michigan, or perhaps Valparaiso, Indiana. He had a long, purple scar on his leg, presumably from the accident. My aunt (Ralph's daughter) confirmed this information, however she's sketchy on the details, too. His discharge papers stated that he received no wounds during service, so was his injury related to his brief military service or was there another explanation?

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