A former Navy pilot, in the early days of the war Lieutenant Colonel Howard resigned is reserve commission to serve in the Pacific Theater as one of Clair Chennault’s famed “Flying Tigers,” where he was credited with shooting down 2.33 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Transferring to the U.S. Army Air Forces, he became an ACE with 6 more aerial victories, finishing the war with a total of 8.33 enemy aircraft destroyed in aerial combat. He was the only fighter pilot in the European theater to earn the Medal of Honor. (One fighter pilot later earned the Medal of Honor in Italy.) After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1966 as a Brigadier General.
Sponsored by:
James
Howell
Howard
April 8, 1913
–
March 18, 1995
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
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Medal of Honor
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Medal of Honor
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Batallion:
356th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
354th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
January 11, 1944
War Department, General Orders No. 45, June 5, 1944The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) James Howell Howard (ASN: 0-511937), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, Ninth Air Force, in action with the enemy near Oschersleben, Germany, on 11 January 1944. On that day Colonel 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 Colonel Howard’s group met the bombers in the target area the bomber force was attacked by numerous enemy fighters. Colonel Howard, with his group, and at once engaged the enemy and himself destroyed a German ME. 110. As a result of this attack Colonel 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 Colonel 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 three enemy airplanes and probably destroyed and damaged others. Toward the end of this engagement three 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, Colonel 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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Batallion:
356th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
354th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
January 11, 1944
Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 84 (March 31, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) James Howell Howard (ASN: 0-511937), United States Army Air Forces, 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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
356th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
354th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 12 (January 14, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major (Air Corps) James Howell Howard (ASN: 0-511937), United States Army Air Forces, 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.