From Lennox Diamond Jubilee Book: "On May 4, 1944, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Hillman received word that their son, Lt. Howard K. Hillman was missing in action over Germany. Howard, a P-51 pilot was believed to have been shot down while participating in aerial combat over enemy territory but this report was not officially confirmed for many months and the young airman's many friends did not give up hope for his eventual return until his body was found buried in Germany in 1948.

Graduating from Lennox high school in 1938 and Augustana College in 1942, Howard enlisted in the service in January, 1943. After his flight training he was commissioned a second lieutenant and was awarded his pilot's wings on October 1, 1943. He was stationed in England with the 357th Fighter Squadron and entered combat duty with that group in March, 1944.

On March 28, 1944, Lt. Hillman was credited with destroying two and damaging a third German plane on the ground while participating in a low level raid over France. Less than two weeks later he chalked up his second air victory without firing a shot. In attempting to out-maneuver Hillman, a fleeing German pilot crashed his Messerschmitt 109. Lt. Hillman was posthumously awarded the air medal with two oak leaf clusters. It was on April 24, 1944 that Howard failed to return to his home base with his squadron.

Howard K. Hillman was born at Trent, South Dakota on May 1, 1920. In March, 1921 the family moved to Flandreau where Howard attended school through the sixth grade. In January, 1932 the family moved to Hawarden, Iowa and in January, 1933 they came to Lennox, where Howard completed grade school and high school.

Howard was an active and popular student, taking part in athletics, music and speech activities while attending high school and college. He attained the age of 23 years, 11 months, and 24 days. The body was returned to Lennox for burial on November 7, 1948."