Cpl Gordon C Powell 82nd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion

Cpl. Gordon C. Powell of the 82nd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Pacy-Sur-Eure, France, as American and British troops meet on August 27th, 1944. U.S. Army officers discuss the situation on the pavement while Cpl. Powell poses next to British XXX Corps Dispatch Rider Baltins Dogoughs. Dogoughs rides a Norton 16H with missing front fender and has picked up a German MP40 submachine gun along the way. He wears standard infantry trousers, shoes and helmet instead of the special motorcyclist's gear.
Powell's riding a Type IV or early Type V 42WLA, evidenced by the low ammo box and first pattern front fender. A M1903 Springfield rifle is carried in a leather scabbard on the front forks. Ammo for this rifle is held in a M1923 Cartridge Belt. A standard M1 helmet is slung over the headlight. A Mounted Canteen Cover along with other equipment, possibly a M-238 Flag Set, is carried on the rifle scabbard. Powell's uniform consists of the 2-piece camouflaged HBT suit worn for a short period in France by units of the 2nd Armored Division and unidentified headgear and goggles.
Markings on the front fender are three colored invasion bars above 2/\-82R HQ87, which would indicate 87th vehicle of HQ Company, 82nd Reconnaissance Bn of the 2nd Armored Division. A star is painted to the front of the gas tank.

Photo taken by U.S. Army WLAs in Wartime Photos and Publications.