The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Niles B. Howell (ASN: 19003518), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the TWELFTH Air Force during the invasion of Sicily on 10 July 1943. While Staff Sergeant Howell was adjusting pontoons to a tank landing ship during the landing operations near Gela, Sicily, a direct hit from an enemy dive bomber exploded the ammunition magazine of the adjoining ship, throwing many soldiers and sailors into the rough surf. Despite the danger from exploding ammunition and continuous attack from enemy aircraft, Staff Sergeant Howell, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, assisted in rescuing several men from the water. Observing two helpless victims in imminent danger of drowning, Staff Sergeant Howell dived into the sea and returned them safely to the ship. He then pushed the pontoons to the side of the burning ship and continued to assist in the rescue until all personnel had been removed to safety. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Howell, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.