James H. Howard

(1913-1995)

American fighter pilot in World War II

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James Howell Howard (April 8, 1913 – March 18, 1995) was a general in the United States Air Force and the only fighter pilot in the European Theater of Operations in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor — the United States military's highest decoration. Howard had the rare distinction of being an ace in two operational theaters during World War II, with over 6 kills with the Flying Tigers of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) in the Pacific and 6 kills over Europe with the United States Air Force. CBS commentator Andy Rooney, then a wartime reporter for Stars and Stripes, called Howard's exploits "the greatest fighter pilot story of World War II". In later life, Howard was a successful businessman, author, and airport director.