Pfc. George F. Howard

How this story crossed my path

During the ongoing search for information, photos, and stories about 'Antwerp X', Sylva Van Den Bosch presented the opportunity to look through her family photo albums. In these were numerous photos referring to the stay of American soldiers in or near her home at Schoolstraat, Berlaar, Belgium. Soldiers from the anti-aircraft artillery who protected the port of Antwerp from V-bombs during 'Operation Antwerp X'.

For their contribution to our freedom, I would like to take this opportunity to tell their story and give them the recognition they deserve. Family friend to the Van Den Bosch family was Pfc. George F. Howard of the 788th AAA AW Battalion. He gave the family a photo of himself with the following message written on the back: '11/18/44 - To Sylva, To My newly found sweetheart who I know will grow up to be a beautiful young lady. Yours with Love, George - George F. Howard, 251 Rose Street, San Francisco, California'. The photo disappeared for years in Sylva's family photo album.

Biography and Wartime Service

George Francis Howard was born on December 14, 1912, in Centralia, Illinois.

George F. Howard enlisted (#39034827) on December 16, 1942 in San Francisco, California. He completed basic training at Camp Hullen, Texas, and was assigned to Hq & Hq Battery, 788th AAA AW Battalion, continuing his anti-aircraft training at Camp Davis, North Carolina. He departed for England in August 1944. He served in the European Theatre of Operations with Hq & Hq Battery, 788th AAA AW Gun Battalion. As a member of this unit, George Howard took part in Operation Antwerp X. His unit departed Cherbourg, France on October 31, 1944 for vicinity of Antwerp, Belgium. Hq & Hq Battery departed from their bivouac in Nantes at 5:30 a.m. on November 1 and covered a distance of 200 miles; they arrived in Berlaar, Belgium, at 2:30 a.m. on November 2, 1944. In Berlaar, they established their command post in the school buildings on Schoolstraat. These were located next to the Van Den Bosch family’s home, where a number of soldiers staying in their diamond cutting workshop. Departed Berlaar on December 18, 1944 by motor convoy and arrived at Oelegem, Belgium, same day. However, the next day they left again in order to be deployed near Verviers from December 20, 1944, as part of the Ardennes Offensive.

George Francis Howard married Margaret Mary Boland on April 15, 1950 at San Francisco, California. He died on October 19, 2002. He was survived by his beloved wife Margaret M. Howard (1925-2007).

Gallery

click on the images to enlarge

Thanks to Sylva Van Den Bosch for sharing these photos from her family album