USS Howard Sailors Memorialize Mrs. Theresa Howard

ABOARD USS HOWARD IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC (Aug. 22, 2008) Ensign Linzy Lewis and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Bryan Smith lower a bouquet of flowers into the sea in remembrance of Mrs. Theresa Howard, USS Howard's sponsor. Fire Controlman 2nd Class Roger Beasley stands at attention holding the American flag during a memorial service held the same day a funeral service was held for Mrs. Howard in San Diego. U.S. Navy photo taken by Electronic Technician 2nd Class Matthew Marshall (Released).

By Ensign Kristi Coonfare USS Howard Public Affairs
AT SEA ABOARD USS HOWARD IN THE STRAIT OF MALACCA - USS Howard (DDG 83) Sailors held a memorial service Aug. 22 in remembrance of the ship's sponsor and in honor of her sacrifices and dedication to crewmembers, her family and her beloved husband, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Jimmie Howard, the ship's namesake.

Mrs. Theresa Howard's memorial service was held aboard the guided-missile destroyer while sailing off the coast of Malaysia and on the same day a funeral service was held in San Diego. She passed away Aug. 17 after a four-month illness.

Shortly before USS Howard departed San Diego May 19 for its 2008 Western Pacific and Indian Ocean deployment, crewmembers learned that Mrs. Howard was hospitalized. Sailors sent cards and flowers and Cmdr. Curtis Goodnight, Howard's commanding officer, made a bedside visit.

"I'm not sure that I will be on the pier when you all return," Mrs. Howard told Goodnight shortly before the ship deployed. "You take good care of our ship and crew."

From the moment Theresa learned that a new Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer would be named after her husband following his death in 1993, Mrs. Howard was a constant presence and inspiration to crewmembers.

Mrs. Howard was present at every major ship event including the christening, change of command ceremonies, Christmas parties, and tiger cruises. Every time she visited the ship, Howard sailors lined up for hugs from her. Although crewmembers never met her heroic husband, his legacy lived on vicariously through Mrs. Howard.

Theresa's husband, 1st Sgt. Jimmie Howard, was awarded the Medal of Honor for honorable service during the Vietnam War. Of the 18 Marines in Jimmie's platoon, six were killed; the other 12 were wounded. All platoon members, both living and dead, were awarded the Purple Heart; 13 were awarded the Silver Star and four received the Navy Cross. 1st Sgt. Howard was the only member to receive the Medal of Honor for his fearless leadership as platoon leader in the face of overwhelming odds during combat atop Hill 488. His actions prevented the loss of his entire platoon.

While Jimmie served in Vietnam, Theresa still managed to cook dinner for her six children every night before she worked a late-night shift at a local restaurant. After 1st Sgt. Howard died from a heart attack, Theresa led her family through their devastating loss.

After Jimmie Howard met Theresa in 1950, they married within a year on February 17, 1951. Surviving several deployments to Korea and Vietnam, Jimmie and Theresa raised seven children - Jimmie, Yvonne, Yvette, Barbara, Linette, Darlene and Joseph.

Howard Sailors paid their final respects to their beloved sponsor. After the invocation and remarks from Cmdr. Goodnight, Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Eric Bash sang Mrs. Howard's favorite song, "Ave Maria," the song she requested at her wedding. A wreath of flowers was lowered into the water and the honor platoon fired a rifle salute.

USS Howard has lost someone dear. All on board will miss her smiling face and kind words