Earl Frederick Howard was born on July 31, 1922, in Washington. He was the son of William Edwin Howard and Evaline Theodosia "Dosie" Sargant Howard. He served in the 93rd Bomber Squadron, 19th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Private First Class during World War II.

After the fall of Bataan in the hands of the Japanese Army on April 9, 1942, PFC Howard was one of the 10,000 to 12,000 Americans who were forced to march over 60 miles under brutal conditions, resulting in 1,000 to 5,000 deaths due to starvation, dehydration, and abuse. Survivors were sent to Camp O'Donnell, where dire conditions, including overcrowding, malnutrition, and disease, caused an additional 1,500 to 2,300 American deaths within weeks. Those who survived faced ongoing hardships, including transfers to other camps and forced labor, where many continued to suffer or die.

PFC Howard was among the American soldiers who lost their lives in captivity on May 28, 1942. He is now buried in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines. He also has a cenotaph in the Ilwaco Cemetery, Ilwaco, Pacific County, Washington, USA.

Source of information: www.livescience.com