Captain Donald Lee Howard

Captain Donald L Howard, USN Retired, Age 84 and a resident of Hanover, VA, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Captain Donald L. Howard, USN was born in Williamsport, Indiana and reared in Attica, Indiana, where he graduated high school. He entered Indiana State University in 1949 and was graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in the class of 1953. During this time he met and fell in love with his wife, Judith Claybourn Howard, in 1951. Upon completion of his reserve officer training program, he was commissioned an Ensign, United States Naval Reserve and later augmented to regular Navy in 1959. He was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and The Navy War College. He was the Commander, Destroyer Squadron TEN and FOUR, SIX , TWENTY and THIRTY SIX; the Commanding Officer of USS BOWEN, USS VENTURE and additional duties assignments were on the USS COMSTOCK, USS KAWISIWI,USS O’BANNON, AND USS REEVES. His shore duty assignments include: US Naval Research Center, Chief of US Navy Research and Development Unit (Vietnam); and the office of Chief of Naval Operations, International Division (NATO). Captain Howard’s personal decorations include: The Legion of Merit, with gold star in lieu of 2nd award, the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device, The Meritorious Service Medal, The Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device and the Army Distinguished Service Order (Vietnam decoration). His unit, campaign and service awards are the Navy Unit Commendation with Bronze Star in lieu of 2nd award. National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, (seven engagement stars), United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, as well as many more prestigious honors. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 56 years, Judith Claybourn Howard, in 2007 and also by his son, William Claybourn Howard in 2005. He is survived by his daughter, Piper Howard Mclawhorn and husband Barry and great granddaughter Aubrey Howard, of Hanover. He is also survived by a grandson, Rob Howard and wife Anita and great grandsons Jaden and Landon, Of Kill Devil Hills, NC and granddaughter, Amanda Howard of Williamsburg, VA. He is also survived by long-time companion, Joyce Sylvia, of Hanover. The interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC at a date to be determined.