Howard R. Blair was born on October 13, 1912. He served in the US Army as a Sergeant during World War II. SGT Blair was Killed in Action on September 29, 1944 at the age of 31 in Italy and is now buried in the Newton Cemetery, Newton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, USA. A member of the 2nd Battalion, 350th Infantry Regiment, his unit was cited for outstanding performance of duty in action during the period 27 September to 3 October 1944 at Mt. Battaglia, Italy against German forces. For seven days, amidst powerful counterattacks, the men of the battalion repulsed each attack with fighting ability and teamwork, therefore, their objective was accomplished.