Ernest Lester Howard was born in Sevierville, Tennessee. He was the son of Wilson Crockett Howard and Josie Lee Emert. He was married to Margie Jo Walden.
Ernest Howard served on the U.S.S. Chevalier (DD451)
He died on 6 October 1943 but was officially declared dead on 7 October 1944
He is Memorialized at Manila American Cemetery, Philippines
The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships described the Chevalier’s final battle:
“On 6 October 1943 Chevalier, O’Bannon (DD-450), and Selfridge (DD-357) intercepted nine Japanese destroyers and destroyer transports attempting to evacuate troops from Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands. Although greatly outnumbered, the American destroyers attacked. After firing half of their torpedoes and scoring several hits with gunfire, the group continued to steam into the line of fire of enemy torpedoes in order to keep their own guns bearing. At approximately 22h05 Chevalier was struck on the port bow by an enemy torpedo which tore her bow off to the bridge, throwing the ship entirely out of control. The destroyer O’Bannon which was following Chevalier could not avoid the damaged destroyer and rammed her in the after engine room, flooding that space and stopping Chevalier’s port shaft. While making preparations to abandon ship, Chevalier’s skipper ordered the torpedoes in her tubes to be fired at the Japanese destroyer Yugumo. The burning Japanese ship blew up soon after. By 23h26 it was apparent that Chevalier could not be saved and “Abandon Ship!” was ordered. Her crew was picked up by O’Bannon’s boats, and Chevalier was sunk the following day by a torpedo from a friendly destroyer. Her severed bow was located about a mile to the west and was sunk with depth charges. Chevalier lost 54 killed, and suffered 36 wounded.”
- Rank: Fireman First Class
- Date of birth: 24 March 1921
- Date of death: 6 October 1943
- County: Sevier
- Hometown: Sevierville
- Service Branch: Navy
- Division/Assignment: USS Chevalier (DD451)
- Theater: Pacific
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Purple Heart, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 Stars
- Burial/Memorial Location: Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XVII, Bottom Panel
- Contact us to sponsor Ernest L. Howard
Image Gallery
Click a thumbnail below to view at full size.
