The President of the United States,
in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting
the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to:
LANCE CORPORAL JAMES D. HOWE
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Rifleman with Company I,
Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. In the
early morning hours of 6 May 1970, 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 his fellow Marines. His heroic and selfless action was in keeping with the finest
traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
/S/ RICHARD M. NIXON