position in a sandy beach area fronted by bamboo thickets. Enemy sappers suddenly launched a grenade attack against the position, utilizing the cover of darkness to carry out their assault. Following the initial explosions of the grenades, Lance Corporal Howe and his two comrades moved to a more advantageous position in order to return suppressive fire. When an enemy grenade landed in their midst, Lance Corporal Howe immediately shouted a warning and then threw himself upon the deadly missile, thereby protecting the lives of his fellow Marines. His heroic and selfless action was in keeping with the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. /S/ RICHARD M. NIXON Posthumous honors On May 19, 2004, the South Carolina General Assembly passed Joint Resolution 5294 commending native South Carolinian James D. Howe for his Medal of Honor actions. See also List of Medal of Honor recipients List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War References Inline General 1948 births 1970 deaths United States Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipients People from Six Mile, South Carolina United States Marines American military personnel killed in the Vietnam War Vietnam War recipients of the Medal of Honor United States Marine Corps personnel of the Vietnam War Deaths by hand grenade