Medal of Honor: James D. Howe – Vietnam War – May 6, 1970

Name: James D. Howe
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company I, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Date of Action: May 6, 1970
Location: Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 6 May 1970, Lance Corporal James D. Howe distinguished himself during combat operations in Vietnam.

In the early morning hours, Howe and two fellow Marines occupied a defensive position in a sandy beach area bordered by dense bamboo thickets.

The night suddenly erupted in violence.

Enemy sappers, using darkness as concealment, launched a grenade attack against the Marine position.

Explosions tore through the area.

As grenades detonated around them, Howe and the other Marines shifted to a better position from which they could return fire and defend themselves.

Then another grenade landed directly among them.

There was no time to escape.

No time to throw it back.

Realizing the danger to the Marines beside him, Howe shouted a warning and immediately threw himself onto the grenade.

The explosion killed him instantly.

But his action shielded the other Marines from the blast and saved their lives.

In a single moment of complete selflessness, he gave his own life so his comrades could continue the fight.

His courage, sacrifice, and devotion to others reflected the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

HOWE, JAMES D.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company I, during operations against enemy forces. In the early morning hours L/Cpl. Howe and 2 other marines were occupying a defensive position in a sandy beach area fronted by bamboo thickets. Enemy sappers suddenly launched a grenade attack against the position, utilizing the cover of darkness to carry out their assault. Following the initial explosions of the grenades, L/Cpl. Howe and his 2 comrades moved to a more advantageous position in order to return suppressive fire. When an enemy grenade landed in their midst, L/Cpl. Howe immediately shouted a warning and then threw himself upon the deadly missile, thereby protecting the lives of the fellow marines. His heroic and selfless action was in keeping with the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service. He valiantly gave his life in the service of his country.