"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 P-51 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, 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."
From Col. Howard's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on 5 June 1944.
May you be at peace,
Brian & Mel
His autobiography.
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