Ernest Paul Howard was born on 21 October 1922, in Guysville, Ohio. His parents are Ernest James & Emma (Klingenberg) Howard. Ernest Paul Howard graduated from Athens High School. Ernest lived in Marion, for eight years prior to entering service. Ernest was married to Gloria M. (Butler), of Marion. Prior to entering service, Ernest was employed as a machinist with the Erie Railroad.
Ernest entered service on 9 December 1942, in Columbus, Ohio. He received his training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as an airborne infantryman. He would leave for assignment overseas and served in France with Company C, 401st Glider Infantry, 101st Airborne Division “Screamin’ Eagles.”
Ernest P. Howard wold have been involved with Operation Market Garden and Operation Overloard (the D-Day Invasion).
The morning of June 8th found the 401st spread out along the west bank of the Douve. Company C of the 1st Battalion, commanded by Captain Robert Galbraith, was led the assault across the river after dark followed by the rest of the 1st Battalion. Once the 1-401st was linked to 101st AB it would aid in the capture of Ste. Come-du-Mont that evening and Carentan on June 15th after 5 days of bitter combat. Later, the 1-401st would join the VII Corps on UTAH Beach and the V Corps on OMAHA beach when they met forces of the 175th Regiment 4th Infantry Division in the town of Auville-sur-le-Vey.
From Unit History of the 401st Glider Infantry Regiment.
While in Belgium, Pfc. Ernest P. Howard was killed in action, on 23 December 1944. His injuries were caused by artillery fragments. The Motto of the 1-401st Glider Infantry Regiment is: “ALL FOR OUR COUNTRY,” and this is just what Pfc. Ernest P. Howard and many in the regiment did.
On December 17th, 1944 the 1-401st was sent by truck to Bastogne, Belgium to aid in its defense. The Germans had launched an all out attack in the area and a veteran unit was needed to stop this assault. Glidermen were sent into combat with what clothing and equipment had been issued them after the fighting in Holland. Some went without ammunition or winter clothing. The 1-401st set up defensive positions in the area of Bastogne and beat back attack after attack! It was through the lines of the 327th/401st GIR that the Germans came to propose a surrender to 101st AB to which General McAuliffe replied “NUTS”! The next day the cloud cover receded for a short time and allowed a supply drop by parachutes of food, ammo, and medical supplies. Also in this drop came gliders with heavy equipment, artillery and badly needed medical personnel. On Jan. 18th, 1945 the 1-401st was relieved and sent back to Mourmelon-le-Grand, France.
From Unit History of the 401st Glider Infantry Regiment.
Pfc. Ernest P. Howard is buried in the Saint Johns Cemetery, Anthony, Athens County, Ohio.
Ernest P. Howard is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park, in Marion, Ohio; on the west wall of the Marion County Courthouse; and on the World War II Veterans Memorial Wall, at the Marion Cemetery.
Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans 