Howard, James Howell

Date of birth:: April 13th, 1913 (Canton, China)
Date of death:: March 18th, 1995 (Bay Pines/Florida, United States)
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: January 14th, 1944

"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. Assigned as Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron, he has, by personal leadership and example, inspired to a high state of morale, and indoctrinated the pilots under his command in a most successful combat technique. On two missions, as Squadron Commander, Major Howard led all aircraft of his Group. On these two occasions, due largely to his aggressiveness in combat and outstanding ability as an aerial leader, the Fighter Group under his leadership is credited with the destruction of thirty-three enemy aircraft, the probable destruction of nine, and damage of twenty-two, while personally accounting for the destruction of three of the above aircraft himself. Major Howard's record stands as the finest example to all pilots of the Army Air Forces."

Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 12

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:: 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: March 31st, 1944

"For extraordinary achievement in destroying his fifth enemy aircraft, while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations on 30 January 1944. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 84 (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in Lieu)

Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:: 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
Awarded on:: June 5th, 1944

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy near Oschersleben, Germany, on 11 January 1944. On that day Col. Howard was the leader of a group of P51 aircraft providing support for a heavy bomber formation on a long-range mission deep in enemy territory. As Col. Howard's group met the bombers in the target area the bomber force was attacked by numerous enemy fighters. Col. Howard, with his group, and at once engaged the enemy and himself destroyed a German ME. 110. As a result of this attack Col. Howard lost contact with his group, and at once returned to the level of the bomber formation. He then saw that the bombers were being heavily attacked by enemy airplanes and that no other friendly fighters were at hand. While Col. Howard could have waited to attempt to assemble his group before engaging the enemy, he chose instead to attack single-handed a formation of more than 30 German airplanes. With utter disregard for his own safety he immediately pressed home determined attacks for some 30 minutes, during which time he destroyed 3 enemy airplanes and probably destroyed and damaged others. Toward the end of this engagement 3 of his guns went out of action and his fuel supply was becoming dangerously low. Despite these handicaps and the almost insuperable odds against him, Col. Howard continued his aggressive action in an attempt to protect the bombers from the numerous fighters. His skill, courage, and intrepidity on this occasion set an example of heroism which will be an inspiration to the U.S. Armed Forces."