THE WALL OF FACES

Hello L/Cpl Howe,
I was in 2Charlie, if I'm not mistaken you were 2Bravo. Our paths hadn't crossed too much, we'd said hello a few times, we were fellow southerners. But you remember, squads kinda kept to themselves for the most part. That night I dug the fighting hole and was all set for an easy night of watch; digging had been easy, it was a cool evening, stars were out, a good field of fire. We really didn't know what we were doing on the coast--they moved us in, moved us out and back to the mountains; I'm sorry you didn't come back with us. That night my fire team got sent out on that killer team nonsense; you relieved me in my position. I was annoyed, brother, giving it up. You relieved me cheerfully, I didn't hide my resentment. I heard the explosions after we'd set up in the bush--didn't know the details until morning. You were there under that poncho; you can imagine my thoughts. I just want to salute you, brother. It was a twist of fate that's been on my mind all these years. So wish I'd been decent at our last meeting. I admire and honor you. Dedicated a novel to you. Semper Fi, brother. May we meet again some day and I can say all this in person.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Medal of Honor citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

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