Admiral Leahy to Cite Dead Navy Hero
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Howard, Courier street, will be presented the Navy Cross, awarded posthumously to their son, Marine Pfc. Stanley Howard, by Admiral William D. Leahy, chief of staff, during the “Mid-West Farmer day” Monday in Yankton, S. D.
Private Howard was killed June 23, 1944, on Saipan. The Navy Cross, one of the navy’s highest decorations, will be presented by Leahy in the behalf of the President of the United States for Private Howard’s “extraordinary heroism with the Second marine division in Saipan June, 1944.”
The accompanying citation states that Marine Howard, who measured only five feet three inches and weighed only 124 pounds when he entered service two years ago, covered a friendly machine gun during vigorous enemy counter attacks.
“The enemy’s shattering fire knocked out the entire gun crew but Howard fearlessly exposed himself to terrific volleys from all directions to take the position at the vital weapon. He then quickly removed casualties from the immediate area and manned the installation with determined aggressiveness.
“By pouring a steady stream of devastating gun fire on the advancing Jap forces, he succeeded in holding them off until replacements were available to man the position.
“With resolute initiative and gallant fortitude and great personal valor, Howard assisted materially in repelling the enemy attack.”
Private Howard was killed several days after his stand at the machine position.
His brother, Donald, is now living at home after being discharged from the army following 30 months’ duty in the Pacific.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Sunday, September 02, 1945, Page 5 (photo included)
Mother Sobs as Leahy
Presents Son’s Medal
A Waterloo youth, Pfc. Stanley L. Howard, was described as a “typical midwestern American” by Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy Monday as his sorrowing parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Howard, Courier street, received the Navy Cross awarded posthumously to the marine for his heroism in helping to frustrate a Japanese attack on Saipan.
The award was made at the “Midwestern Farmer day” at Yankton, S. D., before a crowd of several thousand persons.
Mrs. Howard broke into sobs as the president’s chief of staff pinned the medal on her dress.
Her husband, fighting to hold back tears, embraced and comforted her, explaining to Leahy that she had been very ill since her son’s death.
Private Howard was killed June 23, 1944, on Saipan. He was cited for “extraordinary heroism” with the Second marine division.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Tuesday, September 04, 1945, Page 3
Stanley Lee Howard is buried in Fairview Cemetery, Waterloo, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
