Samuel L. Howard
Encyclopedia
Samuel Lutz Howard was a United States Marine Corps
general who served with distinction in the Marine Corps for thirty-eight years. In the early stages of World War II, General Howard commanded the 4th Marine Regiment on Bataan
and Corregidor
from December 7, 1941 to May 6, 1942. For distinguished service in that bitter encounter, he was awarded the Navy Cross
. Captured by the Japanese at Corregidor, he was forced to march
many miles to a prison camp where he was held as a prisoner of war
from 1942 until liberated in 1945. He was the senior U.S. Marine held captive during World War II. After the war, he continued to serve until 1953, including posts as Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division, and his final post as Inspector General of the Marine Corps.
in 1912. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on May 11, 1914, at which time he reported for duty at the Marine Officers' School, Marine Barracks in Norfolk, Virginia
.
In December 1916, he went to sea as a member of the Marine Detachment aboard the and remained on sea duty for almost three years, assuming command of the Marine Detachment, in 1917, and the Marine Detachment on the in 1918.
Two years of recruiting duty in Richmond, Virginia, and a year at the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
, preceded the General's second tour of foreign duty, this time with the Second Brigade Marines in Santo Domingo
in the Dominican Republic
.
Returning to the United States in August 1924, he served at the Marine Corps Base, San Diego, California, with the Fourth Marine Regiment until assigned to the Field Officers' Course, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia, the following year. Upon graduation in May 1926, he was assigned to duty at Marine Corps Headquarters
in Washington, D.C., where he was a member of the War Plans Section, and later a member of the Commandant's
Department (then John A. Lejeune
).
In June 1929, Howard joined the United States occupation of Haiti where his duties for the next years included Chief of Police and Department Commander, Port au Prince, Haiti. He was returned to the U.S. and assumed duties with the First Battalion
, Seventh Marines, until August 1934, at which time he was again transferred to Marine Corps Headquarters. From August 1934 until June 1938, he served as the Executive Officer
, Division of Operations and Training, Headquarters Marine Corps.
In June 1938, he was ordered to the Naval War College
in Newport, Rhode Island
as a student in the Senior Course. Following graduation, the Howard joined the Second Brigade, Fleet Marine Force
, as Commanding Officer, Sixth Marine Regiment later becoming Brigade Executive Officer, and finally Division Chief of Staff of the Marine Division. He was promoted to the rank of colonel in October 1938.
, Howard went to China to take command of the Fourth Marines at Shanghai
, assuming command on May 14, 1941. In late November, the Regiment was withdrawn from China, and arrived in the Philippines on December 2.
Five days later, Howard and the 4th Marines began the fight
that lasted until the fall of Corregidor
in May 1942. For his distinguished service during the bitter fighting at Bataan and Corregidor, he was awarded the Navy Cross.
Navy Cross citation:
Howard's Navy Cross citation reads in part:
Howard was taken captive — and was the most senior U.S. Marine taken captive during World War II. Howard remained a prisoner of war
until liberated in August 1945. He was retroactively promoted to major general, effective March 30, 1942.
He was returned to the United States, and after several months, was ordered to the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina
, as Deputy Commanding General. He served as acting Commander from February 2, 1946 - February 12, 1946.
On September 10, 1948, he was ordered to Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C., as President of the Naval Examining Board and President of the Marine Corps Reserve Examining Board.
He assumed his final post as of Inspector General of the Marine Corps on June 6, 1950; holding the post for almost three years.
Howard died on October 12, 1960 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery
.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
general who served with distinction in the Marine Corps for thirty-eight years. In the early stages of World War II, General Howard commanded the 4th Marine Regiment on Bataan
Bataan
Bataan is a province of the Philippines occupying the whole of the Bataan Peninsula on Luzon. The province is part of the Central Luzon region. The capital of Bataan is Balanga City and it is bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Pampanga to the north...
and Corregidor
Corregidor
Corregidor Island, locally called Isla ng Corregidor, is a lofty island located at the entrance of Manila Bay in southwestern part of Luzon Island in the Philippines. Due to this location, Corregidor was fortified with several coastal artillery and ammunition magazines to defend the entrance of...
from December 7, 1941 to May 6, 1942. For distinguished service in that bitter encounter, he was awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
. Captured by the Japanese at Corregidor, he was forced to march
Bataan Death March
The Bataan Death March was the forcible transfer, by the Imperial Japanese Army, of 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war after the three-month Battle of Bataan in the Philippines during World War II, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of prisoners.The march was characterized by...
many miles to a prison camp where he was held as a prisoner of war
Prisoner of war
A prisoner of war or enemy prisoner of war is a person, whether civilian or combatant, who is held in custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict...
from 1942 until liberated in 1945. He was the senior U.S. Marine held captive during World War II. After the war, he continued to serve until 1953, including posts as Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division, and his final post as Inspector General of the Marine Corps.
Biography
Samuel Lutz Howard was born on March 8, 1891 in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the Virginia Military InstituteVirginia Military Institute
The Virginia Military Institute , located in Lexington, Virginia, is the oldest state-supported military college and one of six senior military colleges in the United States. Unlike any other military college in the United States—and in keeping with its founding principles—all VMI students are...
in 1912. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on May 11, 1914, at which time he reported for duty at the Marine Officers' School, Marine Barracks in Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
.
Early military career
In August 1915, Howard was sent on his first tour of foreign duty to Port au Prince, Haiti with a Marine Expeditionary regiment, which was sent to Haiti after two Americans were killed by snipers.In December 1916, he went to sea as a member of the Marine Detachment aboard the and remained on sea duty for almost three years, assuming command of the Marine Detachment, in 1917, and the Marine Detachment on the in 1918.
Two years of recruiting duty in Richmond, Virginia, and a year at the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. is located at 8th and I Streets, Southeast in Washington, D.C. Established in 1801, it is a National Historic Landmark, the oldest post in the United States Marine Corps, the official residence of the Commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806, and main ceremonial...
, preceded the General's second tour of foreign duty, this time with the Second Brigade Marines in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, known officially as Santo Domingo de Guzmán, is the capital and largest city in the Dominican Republic. Its metropolitan population was 2,084,852 in 2003, and estimated at 3,294,385 in 2010. The city is located on the Caribbean Sea, at the mouth of the Ozama River...
in the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
.
Returning to the United States in August 1924, he served at the Marine Corps Base, San Diego, California, with the Fourth Marine Regiment until assigned to the Field Officers' Course, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia, the following year. Upon graduation in May 1926, he was assigned to duty at Marine Corps Headquarters
Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps is a headquarters staff within the Department of the Navy which includes the offices of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and various staff functions...
in Washington, D.C., where he was a member of the War Plans Section, and later a member of the Commandant's
Commandant of the Marine Corps
The Commandant of the Marine Corps is normally the highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...
Department (then John A. Lejeune
John A. Lejeune
Lieutenant General John Archer Lejeune, was the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Known as the "greatest of all Leathernecks" and the "Marine's Marine", he served for nearly 40 years. His service included commanding the U.S...
).
In June 1929, Howard joined the United States occupation of Haiti where his duties for the next years included Chief of Police and Department Commander, Port au Prince, Haiti. He was returned to the U.S. and assumed duties with the First Battalion
1st Battalion 7th Marines
The 1st Battalion, 7th Marines is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. They are based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and consist of approximately 1000 Marines. Famous Marines who have served in 1/7 include Chesty Puller and John Basilone...
, Seventh Marines, until August 1934, at which time he was again transferred to Marine Corps Headquarters. From August 1934 until June 1938, he served as the Executive Officer
Executive officer
An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...
, Division of Operations and Training, Headquarters Marine Corps.
In June 1938, he was ordered to the Naval War College
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
as a student in the Senior Course. Following graduation, the Howard joined the Second Brigade, Fleet Marine Force
Fleet Marine Force
The United States Fleet Marine Forces are combined general and special purpose forces within the United States Department of the Navy that are designed in engaging offensive amphibious or expeditionary warfare and defensive maritime employment...
, as Commanding Officer, Sixth Marine Regiment later becoming Brigade Executive Officer, and finally Division Chief of Staff of the Marine Division. He was promoted to the rank of colonel in October 1938.
World War II
Eight months prior to the attack on Pearl HarborAttack on Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941...
, Howard went to China to take command of the Fourth Marines at Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
, assuming command on May 14, 1941. In late November, the Regiment was withdrawn from China, and arrived in the Philippines on December 2.
Five days later, Howard and the 4th Marines began the fight
Battle of Bataan
The Battle of Bataan represented the most intense phase of Imperial Japan's invasion of the Philippines during World War II. The capture of the Philippine Islands was crucial to Japan's effort to control the Southwest Pacific, seize the resource-rich Dutch East Indies, and protect its Southeast...
that lasted until the fall of Corregidor
Battle of Corregidor
The Battle for Corregidor was the culmination of the Japanese campaign for the conquest of the Philippines. The fall of Bataan on 9 April 1942 ended all organized opposition by the U.S...
in May 1942. For his distinguished service during the bitter fighting at Bataan and Corregidor, he was awarded the Navy Cross.
Navy Cross citation:
Howard's Navy Cross citation reads in part:
- …Colonel Howard successfully and efficiently employed his force in the defense of Olongapo until ordered to withdraw. The Regiment was then shifted to Corregidor where it rendered outstandingly courageous service in the defense of the beaches of that island fortress…
- During the prolonged siege, Colonel Howard commanded all beach defenses…Although exposed to many and repeated bombing and strafing attacks, and terrific artillery bombardments, Colonel Howard displayed outstanding qualities of courage, leadership and efficiency under most difficult and hazardous conditions.
Howard was taken captive — and was the most senior U.S. Marine taken captive during World War II. Howard remained a prisoner of war
Prisoner of war
A prisoner of war or enemy prisoner of war is a person, whether civilian or combatant, who is held in custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict...
until liberated in August 1945. He was retroactively promoted to major general, effective March 30, 1942.
He was returned to the United States, and after several months, was ordered to the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina
Parris Island, South Carolina
Parris Island is a former census-designated place , currently a portion of Port Royal in Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 4,841 at the 2000 census. As defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, Parris Island is included within the Beaufort Urban Cluster and the larger...
, as Deputy Commanding General. He served as acting Commander from February 2, 1946 - February 12, 1946.
Post war years
Returning to China in September 1946, General Howard assumed command of the First Marine Division (Reinforced) with headquarters in Tientsin. Upon withdrawal of the First Marine Division from China in June 1947, he was transferred to Pearl Harbor to become Commanding General, Marine Garrison Forces, Pacific, which post to held until September 1, 1948, when he returned to the United States.On September 10, 1948, he was ordered to Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C., as President of the Naval Examining Board and President of the Marine Corps Reserve Examining Board.
He assumed his final post as of Inspector General of the Marine Corps on June 6, 1950; holding the post for almost three years.
Retirement
Howard retired from the Marine Corps on March 31, 1953 and was advanced to the grade of lieutenant general.Howard died on October 12, 1960 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
.
Awards and decorations
Lieutenant General Howard's decoration and medals include:| Navy Cross Navy Cross The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all... |
|||
| Purple Heart Purple Heart The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York... |
Army Distinguished Unit Badge w/ 1 oak leaf cluster Oak leaf cluster An oak leaf cluster is a common device which is placed on U.S. Army and Air Force awards and decorations to denote those who have received more than one bestowal of a particular decoration. The number of oak leaf clusters typically indicates the number of subsequent awards of the decoration... |
Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is a decoration of the United States Marine Corps which was first created on 8 May 1919. Originally known as the Marine Corps Expeditionary Ribbon, a full-sized medal was authorized in July 1921 by Presidential Order of Warren G. Harding... w/ 2 service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... s |
Haitian Campaign Medal (1917) Haitian Campaign Medal The Haitian Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States Navy which was issued in the year 1917 and again in the year 1921. The decoration was intended for service members of both the Navy and Marine Corps who had participated in Haitian peacekeeping actions between the years of... |
| World War I Victory Medal w/ Atlantic Fleet clasp Medal bar A medal bar or medal clasp is a thin metal bar attached to the ribbon of a military decoration, civil decoration, or other medal. It is most commonly used to indicate the campaign or operation the recipient received the award for, and multiple bars on the same medal are used to indicate that the... |
American Defense Service Medal American Defense Service Medal The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:... w/ 1 service star |
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was... w/ 1 service star |
World War II Victory Medal |
| Haitian Medal of Honor and Merit | Haitian Distinguished Service Medal w/ Diploma | Order of the Cloud and Banner Order of the Cloud and Banner The Order of the Cloud and Banner is a military award of the Republic of China. It was instituted on June 15, 1935 and is awarded in nine grades for contributions to national security. It is also sometimes referred to as the Order of the Resplendent Banner.... , Grand Cordon |
Philippine Defense Medal Philippine Defense Medal The Philippine Defense Medal is a decoration of the Republic of the Philippines which is awarded to commemorate the initial resistance against Japanese invasion between the dates of December 1941 and June 1942.The decoration was first created as ribbon in December, 1944, and a full-sized medal was... |
See also
- Bataan Death MarchBataan Death MarchThe Bataan Death March was the forcible transfer, by the Imperial Japanese Army, of 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war after the three-month Battle of Bataan in the Philippines during World War II, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of prisoners.The march was characterized by...