James Van Howard
Vietnam War Gold Star Veteran from Tennessee

On October 30, 1968 Corporal Howard was declared a casualty of the Vietnam War. He served with honor in the United States Army. He is remembered by the people of Tennessee. May his positive example inspire us. Working together towards peace, mutual respect, and equality for all.
James Van Howard
Vietnam War
Vietnam War
Tennessee
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Content Integrity Note
Our displayed data concerning the life and military history of James Van Howard is a work in progress. We've assembled a list of elements we are in the process of researching and reviewing. This profile has not been edited recently and is overdue for our attention.
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Service Details
This Profile ID279150
Service ID53909246
NameJames Van Howard
FromMadison, Davidson County, Tennessee
Birth DateAugust 27, 1947
Casualty DateOctober 30, 1968
WarVietnam War
Service BranchArmy
RankCorporal
SpecialtyLight Weapons Infantry
Unit/Group196th Light Infantry Brigade, 17th Cavalry, F Troop
Casualty TypeDied through hostile action .. explosive device
LocationSouth Vietnam, Quang Tin province
Notable Awards
Purple Heart
Remembered
James is honored on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 40w, Line 58.
Additional Details
Auto-Generated Profile Synopsis - James Van Howard was serving his country during the Vietnam War when he gave his all in the line of duty. He was drafted into the Army. Entered the service via Selective Service. He began his tour on June 23, 1968. Howard had the rank of Corporal. His military occupation or specialty was Light Weapons Infantry. Service number assignment was 53909246. Attached to 196th Light Infantry Brigade, 17th Cavalry, F Troop.

He was born on August 27, 1947. According to our records Tennessee was his home or enlistment state and Davidson county has been included within the archival record. We have Madison listed as his city.

During his service in the Vietnam War, Army Howard experienced a traumatic event which ultimately resulted in loss of life on October 30, 1968. Recorded circumstances attributed to: Died through hostile action .. explosive device. Incident location: South Vietnam, Quang Tin province.
Commendations + Awards
Please note this might not be a complete or completely accurate accounting. For some awards we use probability factors based on known service details. Thanks for your understanding.
Purple Heart
Combat Infantryman Badge
Marksmanship Badge
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Army Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Notable Reference Sources
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Tennessee Gold Star Veterans Gallery
Honoring the men and women of Tennessee who gave their all for their country. May their example of courage and sacrifice be our guide. To be strong and responsible in our lives as citizens of the world. Through honest daily actions, we honor them.
Tennessee was home to over 11,719 American Gold Star veterans from 4 wars of the 20th Century. Some significant statistics:
Tennessee was home to over 11,719 American Gold Star veterans from 4 wars of the 20th Century. Some significant statistics:
• 1,991 World War I
• 7,527 World War II
• 906 Korean War
• 1,295 Vietnam War
• 178 Prisoners of war
• 1,658 Missing in action
• 42 Pearl Harbor casualties
• 89 D-Day Normandy casualties
• 7 Medal of Honor recipients
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None of us would be who we are, or have what we have, if not for the strengths and sacrifices of others. Most of us enjoy lives of relative freedom. Our freedom has come at enormous cost. The price paid by those who gave their all. In service to their country, states and communities. Each of them a beloved member of our global family.
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