James Bruce Howard
Mr. Howard died October 31, 2010 at Aldersgatte at the age of 88. He was born December 19, 1921 to William and Anna Trull Howard in Union County. He is survived by his loving wife Martha (Marty) Chernault Howard, of the home, his daughter Annalisa Howard of Indian Trail, brother, Bill and wife, Martha of Marvin, NC, sisters, Hazel Price and Kay Howard of Monroe, N.C., Shirley Bost of Concord, N.C., sister-in-law Elise Howard of Charlotte, NC and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin, brothers, Lloyd, Ed, Hayne, Roland and sister, Peggy.
Bruce was a member of Myers Park United Methodist Church, a member of Matthews Lodge #461 AF&AM, Scottish Rite, Oasis Shrine and Carmel Country Club. He and his brother Bill owned Howard Brothers Electric Company. After retiring in 1983 he and his wife enjoyed traveling. Bruce then avidly pursued his hobby of golf and played with the ROFs.
During WWII, Mr. Howard was in the 508th Parachute Regiment attached to the 82nd Airborne division. He received the Medal of Honor* and the Purple Heart.
Memorial Service will be held at Myers
Park United Methodist Church in the sanctuary on Wednesday November 3, 2010 at 2:00 p.m., with a visitation following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Rd, Charlotte, N.C. or to the charity of one's choice.
[ Published
in Charlotte Observer on Nov. 2, 2010]
[*Jumpmaster Note: Mr.
Howard does not appear to be listed by the U.S. Army Center Of Military
History as a Medal of Honor winner. The reference may have been
for the French Légion d'Honneur which has been accorded to many Normandy
veterans. James fought and was wounded there.]
|
[courtesy of C. Bracey]
Crypt marker for James B. Howard and spouse in the Myers
Park United Methodist Church Columbarium, Charlotte (Mecklenburg
county), North Carolina.
James enlisted in the Army
at Shelbyville. IN. Pvt Howard was assigned to Hq 1st, 508 PIR.
As a Pfc he jumped into Normandy on 6 June 1944 and was wounded on 3
July 1944.
Pfc Howard also jumped
into Nijmegen, Holland on 17 September 1944 where he was twice wounded
in combat.
His military decorations
include the Purple Heart with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat
Infantryman badge for action during Normandy, France Campaign, 6 June
1944 to 9 July 1944 and the Bronze Service Arrowhead device for the for
Holland campaign and Airborne operations |