James H. Howard | |
|---|---|
 Col. James H. Howard in 1945 | |
| Born | April 8, 1913 Canton, Republic of China (now Guangzhou, Guangdong, China) |
| Died | March 18, 1995 (aged 81) Bay Pines, Florida, U.S. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Air Force United States Army Air Forces American Volunteer Group United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1938–1941 (USN) 1941–1942 (AVG) 1942–1966 (USAAF/USAF) |
| Rank | Ensign (Navy) Brigadier General (Air Force) |
| Commands | 356th Fighter Squadron 354th Fighter Group 96th Bombardment Wing |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Distinguished Flying Cross (2) Bronze Star Air Medal (10) |
| Alma mater | Pomona College |
James Howell Howard (April 8, 1913 – March 18, 1995) was a general in the United States Air Force and one of just two fighter pilots in the European Theater of Operations in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor—the United States military's highest decoration.[1][2] Howard was an ace in two operational theaters during World War II, with six kills over Asia with the Flying Tigers of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) in the Pacific, and six kills over Europe with the United States Army Air Forces.[3] CBS commentator Andy Rooney, then a wartime reporter for Stars and Stripes, called Howard's exploits "the greatest fighter pilot story of World War II".[4][5] In later life, Howard was a successful businessman, author, and airport director.
- ^ Wolfgang Saxon (1995-03-22). "Gen. James Howard, 81, Dies; Medal Winner in Aerial Combat". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
- ^ The New York Times obituary that calls Howard the only ETO fighter pilot to receive the Medal of Honor is wrong; there was at least one other: 1st Lt. Raymond L. Knight."Knight -- 1st Lt Raymond L Knight". Air Force Historical Support Division. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
- ^ Christopher Shores (1975). Fighter Aces. Hamlyn. ISBN 978-0517573235.
- ^ "One of War's Greatest Pilots to Command Pinellas Air Field". St. Petersburg Times. January 21, 1945. Retrieved October 17, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Christina K. Cosdon (1996-11-03). "New exhibit at airport honors hero". St. Petersburg Times. Archived from the original on 2008-06-07. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
