Because many men serving in the 101st also lacked the minimum points required to return home, a lottery was put in place. While hunting with members of his unit in the woods near Zell Am See, Shifty told his comrades that despite his endless effort as an expert marksman and his popularity in his unit, he was still quite below the 85 points needed to be discharged and sent home. Were it not for Shifty's keen observations and outdoors experiences, many lives may have been lost, had that enemy weapon not been spotted from a distance of nearly a mile away and amongst a literal forest of other trees. The "tree" was ultimately discovered to be a camouflaged German artillery piece. One of his most truly remarkable achievements, and a testament to the extraordinary gifts his backwoods upbringing brought to Easy Company, was the story documented in the Ambrose book, Band of Brothers, about the time in Bastogne when Shifty mentioned to his commanding officer that he noticed a tree in the distant forest that was not there just the day before. He was generally considered to be the best shot in Easy Company. Company members say Powers saved many lives that day. With the aid of Carwood Lipton, Shifty made a heroic attempt and silenced the German with his M1 right between the eyes. While in Foy, a German sniper shot three members of Easy Company, and everyone hid for cover. Though he humbly told his comrades that his father was the best shot he'd ever seen, they still admired his sharpshooting skill. Shifty was well-known throughout the 101st for his accuracy when shooting his rifle. He also participated in the Allied military operation Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, and the Battle of the Bulge in Foy, Belgium. He eventually came in contact with Floyd Talbert and the two made their way to Easy Company. Powers jumped into Normandy on D-Day, missing his drop zone. He graduated from high school and enlisted on 14 August 1942 at Richmond, Virginia. This later proved useful, as many of the skills he obtained helped him as a soldier. Shifty spent a great deal of time in the outdoors, hunting game prior to joining the service. Powers was born in Clinchco, Dickenson County, Virginia and volunteered for the Paratroopers with his newly-met good friend, Robert "Popeye" Wynn. The 2011 book Shifty's War by journalist Marcus Brotherton, published by Penguin/Berkley-Caliber, captures Sgt. "Shifty" Powers was a non-commissioned officer with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in the 101st Airborne Division during World War II.
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