THE WALL OF FACES

IN REMEMBRANCE OF THIS FINE YOUNG
UNITED STATES ARMY SOLDIER
WHOSE NAME SHALL LIVE FOREVER MORE


CORPORAL

JAMES VAN " JIMMY " HOWARD

was the son of Grand Olde Opry star JAN HOWARD

and stepson of songwriter HARLAN HOWARD


he became a
posthumous recipient
of the following
military decorations
and service medals


BRONZE STAR MEDAL

PURPLE HEART

NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL

VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN SERVICE MEDAL


HE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY IN

NASHVILLE NATIONAL CEMETERY

MADISON, TENNESSEE




YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE




R E M E M B R A N C E






JAN HOWARD wrote the following
as a letter to her son and it was
a hit song when he was killed

" MY SON "

My son my son I pray that you'll come home to me my son my son
It seems only yesterday the most important thing on your mind
Was whether you'd make the baseball team or get the new school jacket like all the other kids had
And I remember how your eyes lighted up when you got your first rod and reel
For that big fishing trip just you and your dad
And I remember wiping the tears away when you hurt yourself on your sled
In those days it seems the house was filled with laughter and joy
Filled with your friends and they were all such good boys
And then came the day that you walked down the aisle
To receive that all important diploma
I was so proud but I actually couldn't believe that tall young man was my son my wonderful son
And then I remember the little girl that was always around kinda tagging after you
She's not so little anymore but she's still around who knows maybe someday
Then you received the call that I guess we knew would come some day
But it came so quick and now you're so very far away
In the land that until a short time ago I didn't even know was there
I know the time will pass you'll be home again
But until that time my darling take care take special care
My son my son I pray that you'll come home to me my son my son


https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=21406209

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Howard

http://www.janhoward.com/

http://www.janhoward.com/bio.cfm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I30k-rYjWrQ


=====================================

Jimmy, i never got to know you but i know your mom Jan. I wanted to say Thank you for your service and you are not forgotten. RIP

Corporal James Van Howard, Served with F Troop, 17th Calvary Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division.

Dear CPL James Van 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

I lived across the street from Jimmy and his family when we were elementary and junior high age. Of the three boys, he being the oldest, Jimmy was the sweet, kind, always smiling one. I'll always remember him that way.