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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Richard Baugh

Howard was born in Petersburg, VA and attended public schools in Petersburg and Brooklyn, NY. After graduating from Virginia State College, he entered the Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet in March, 1942. He completed pilot training in November 1942 and was commissioned a 2n LT.

In July 1943 he was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron in Sicily. Flying out of Sicily and Italy, he flew 135 combat missions in P-40s and P-5Is. In January 1944 he and his wingman were credited with shooting down one German FW-190 fighter bomber over the Anzio beachhead.

Howard was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit award and the usual theater and campaign medals. In June 2004 the French Government presented him with its highest and most prestigious military award, the French Legion of Honor.

During 25 years of active duty he amassed almost 6000 pilot hours, including 250 combat hours. Howard flew over 15 different types of planes to include 1100 hours in 4 types of jet aircraft.

After retirement from the Air Force in 1967 he was employed by Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, NY. In 1984, he retired from Eastman Kodak and moved back to Virginia. He is widowed, has 3 sons, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.