Paulus Prince Powell
Paulus Prince Powell was a rear admiral in the United States Navy whose career spanned from the pre–World War I era through the end of World War II. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1913, he served extensively in surface ships, held diplomatic and staff assignments in Europe and South America, and became Chief of Staff to the Commander, Third Amphibious Force during major Pacific operations of World War II. He received three awards of the Legion of Merit.
Early life and education
Paulus Prince Powell was born at Woodview, Virginia, on April 25, 1892.He entered the United States Naval Academy and graduated with the Class of 1913.
Naval career
Early service
Following graduation, Powell served aboard the battleship USS Delaware in Mexican waters until May 1917.He was then assigned to USS Illinois and later to USS New Mexico. In March 1919 he became executive officer of the destroyer USS McKean, followed by service as executive officer of USS Graham in 1920.
In August 1920 Powell joined USS Gilmer for operations in the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Adriatic. From 1923 to 1925 he served on the staff of Commander Naval Forces, Europe.
Interwar assignments
In November 1926 Powell assumed command of USS Scorpion, the U.S. station ship at Constantinople, flying the flag of Rear Admiral Mark L. Bristol, High Commissioner to Turkey.After additional shore duty in Washington, D.C., he became navigator of USS Richmond in 1929, returning to Washington in 1932.
From 1934 to 1935 he served as operations officer on the staff of Commander-in-Chief, Asiatic Fleet, and subsequently commanded Destroyer Division Fifteen until 1936.
He attended the Naval War College and then served with the U.S. Naval Mission in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1937 to 1939.
World War II
Powell returned to sea as executive officer of USS Arizona until May 1940, after which he commanded the cruiser USS Omaha from June 1940 to October 1941.From June 1942 to November 1943 he commanded the transport USS Mount Vernon. In November 1943 he became Chief of Staff and aide to the Commander, Third Amphibious Force, serving through the major Pacific campaigns at Peleliu, Angaur, Ulithi, Leyte, and Lingayen.
He remained in this post until the dissolution of the command at the end of the war.
Powell was promoted to commodore on October 20, 1944.
He was transferred to the Retired List on January 1, 1947, with the rank of rear admiral.
Awards and decorations
Powell received three awards of the Legion of Merit for his service as Chief of Staff to the Commander, Third Amphibious Force during the Pacific campaigns of 1943–1945.Later life
After World War II, Powell was active in private business and public organizations, including the Forty Plus Club, the Society of the Cincinnati, and various civic and international groups. His papers include extensive correspondence, speeches, and subject files documenting these activities.He died in 1963.