THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Lcpl James Howe, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. The researched you on the 50th anniversary of the start of your tour. Thank you for your Medal of Honor. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Finally found out where you were laid to rest I and a friend visited 2018. All these years you have been there and we have been here...rest in peace my brother.

James Donnie Howe
Date of birth: December 17, 1948
Date of death: May 6, 1970
Burial location: Liberty, South Carolina
Place of Birth: South Carolina, Six Mile
Home of record: Fort Jackson South Carolina
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Medal of Honor


Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal James Donnie Howe, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 May 1970, while serving as a rifleman with Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, during operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours Lance Corporal Howe and two 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, Lance Corporal Howe and his two comrades moved to a more advantageous position in order to return suppressive fire. When an enemy grenade landed in their midst, Lance Corporal 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.

Action Date: May 6, 1970

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Company: Company I

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 7th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Dear SP4 Vidal Sanchez Jr, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor James.