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World War II Honoree

Killed in World War II

Howard M. 'Howdy' Harrison

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Sutton, West Virginia

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Branch Seal
Activity During WWII

Served on the USS Yorktown (CV-10) as a fighter pilot in VF88 Squadron. Flying a Grumman F6F Hellcat he flew off the carrier on a mission over Tokyo on August 15, 1945. The war was declared over while he was on the mission. He turned to go back to the carrier when Japanese fighter planes appeared and a dogfight commenced. He and three other pilots were shot down and declared Missing In Action on August 16, 1945. They were the last casualties of the war. Posthumously received the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal with 2 Gold Stars.