Samuel L. Howard’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Samuel L. Howard

Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the FOURTH Marines, U.S. Marine Corps, in the Philippines from 7 December 1941 to 6 May 1942. Although this regiment reached the Philippines just prior to the outbreak of war, and was without its complete equipment, Colonel Howard successfully and efficiently employed his force in the defense of Olongapo until ordered to withdraw on 24 December 1941. 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 of Corregidor, Colonel Howard commanded all beach defenses with a mixed force of approximately 3,000, which included some Army light artillery units, coast defense weapons, Filipino Army Air Corps personnel as infantry, remnants of other Army units from Bataan and 700 Bluejackets. Although exposed to many and repeated bombing and strafing attacks, and terrific artillery bombardments, Colonel Howard displayed outstanding qualities of courage, leadership and efficiency, by maintaining his force at the peak of battle efficiency under most difficult and hazardous conditions. His service at all times was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.