World War II Honoree

Howard E. Alter

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Honored By

William D. Alter

Relationship

Son

MASTER SERGEANT, SQUADRON INSPECTOR IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW GUINEA 1942-1944 IN THE 405TH BOMB SQUADRON. HE WAS AT THE 30 MILE AIR STRIP IN NEW GUINEA AS WELL AS OTHER AREAS. THEY WERE SURPRISED BY A 100 PLANE JAPANESE AIR RAID. PLAYED PART IN THE BATTLE OF THE BISMARCK SEA AND IN THE NEW BRITAIN CAMPAIGN. HE WORKED ON B-17, B-25, B-25 AND B-29 AIRCRAFT AND SOMETIMES FLEW OUT TO TROUBLESHOOT AND DO FINAL INSPECTIONS AFTER CREWS HAD WORKED ON DOWNED PLANES.