THE WALL OF FACES

Gunnery Sergeant Billy Howard, Served with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

As Billy Howard's granddaughter, I never got the opportunity to meet him but from what I read and the stories that are told to me, he was an outstanding man! I'm glad to say that in a way I was named after him. I have pictures of him and look at them daily. My father also joined the USMC, following in his fathers foot steps. I love him beyond belief. My family and I still keep in contact with Retired Gen. P.X. Kelley. I thank everyone who has left a comment here and shared stories. It really means a lot to my family and I. May you all have a blessed and wonderful day!

I love you grandpa and we will one day meet!

Love always, Britney Danelle!

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant Billy Howard (MCSN: 554586), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Company Gunnery Sergeant, Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, during Operation TEXAS in Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam on 21 March 1966. Upon arrival in its assigned helicopter landing zone, Company E came under withering enemy small-arms and automatic weapons fire from three directions. The volume and effectiveness of this fire forced the battalion to modify its tactical plan and move Company E to a newly designated line of departure. Braving heavy enemy fire, Gunnery Sergeant Howard moved from heli-team to heli-team as they arrived in the landing zone providing instructions for this re-disposition of forces. Once deployed on their assigned line of departure, and upon completion of preparatory air and artillery fires, Company E commenced an assault against the hamlet of Phuong Dinh (2). After crossing an open rice paddy, and when within twenty-five meters of the objective, Company E was struck with a vicious fusillade of small arms, automatic weapons, recoilless rifle, and mortar fire. The volume and intensity of the enemy fire immediately inflicted numerous friendly casualties and had the majority of the company pinned down, unable to move in any direction. Seeing his Company Commander trapped in heavy cross fire and incapable of movement, Gunnery Sergeant Howard immediately seized the initiative and dashed forward from a relatively secure position to the point of furthest contact. With full knowledge that his life was in jeopardy, he moved among the dead and wounded and supervised their evacuation to the rear. In complete defiance of the enemy and braving certain death, he rallied his fellow Marines to leave their covered positions and continue the assault. His indomitable fighting spirit, fearless leadership, and outstanding courage inspired his men to charge aggressively forward and destroy the enemy fortifications. Mortally wounded during this assault, Gunnery Sergeant Howard, by his great personal valor and unswerving devotion to duty, reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

Action Date: 21-Mar-66

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Gunnery Sergeant

Company: Company E

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 4th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Dear GSGT Billy Howard, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

'He was a remarkable Marine and human being. He enlisted in the USMC during World War II, but did not see any combat. During the Korean War he didn't get to Korea until the Armistice was signed. When the Vietnam war began, he said 'he was not going to miss this one'. He earned his Navy Cross. Those of us who served with him in Echo Company, 2nd Bn 4th Marines were lucky to have him as our Company 'Gunny'. '

 

Photo courtesy of Jim Sutter.