Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Coast Artillery Corps) Howard Edward C. Breitung (ASN: 0-15314), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps (Philippine Islands) in action against enemy forces during the period 9 April 1942 to 2 May 1942, at Corregidor, in the Philippine Islands. Lieutenant Colonel Breitung’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands)

    Action Date:

    1942 – Died in Captivity

    Lieutenant Colonel (Coast Artillery Corps) Howard Edward C. Breitung (ASN: 0-15314), United States Army, was captured after the fall of the Philippine Islands in 1942 and was held as a Prisoner of War until his death in captivity on or about 29 September 1942.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    60th Coast Artillery Regiment (AA)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 223 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Coast Artillery Corps) Howard Edward C. Breitung (ASN: 0-15314), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, in 1942. Lieutenant Colonel Breitung’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    60th Coast Artillery Regiment (AA)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 223 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Coast Artillery Corps) Howard Edward C. Breitung (ASN: 0-15314), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, in 1942. Lieutenant Colonel Breitung’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.