Military display honors WWII veteran

By Editor | September 16, 2025 |

By Carmen Ensinger

There are many heroes who lived in Greene County and one of those heroes was honored during Greene County Days at the Greene County Historical Society.
A special display was set up to honor Sergeant First Class William “Bill” Howland. The display was designed by the Society’s fashion curator, Dottie Day and assisted by Society President John Langer.
Bill’s dress Army uniform, along with his many medals, almost bring to life his achievements for valor and meritorious service during the Korean War displayed on the life-size mannequin.
An infantry soldier, Howland was already deployed in Japan when the war broke out on June 25, 1950, so he was sent almost immediately into battle along the 38th parallel in Central Korea. His story is told in newspaper accounts; his heroism is there for all to see from his many medals and patches that were so special.
Two medals in particular stand out – the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, both of which are contained in a wall display case along with other medals and patches. Both medals were awarded on March 9, 1953, and were authorized by the President of the United States.
The Bronze Star, fourth highest individual award for valor in the U.S. Armed Forces, was first awarded in 1944, then made retroactive to December, 1941. Bill received the award for “heroism in ground combat”. This award was given to 30,359 recipients for service in the Korean War.
The Purple Heart, originated by General George Washington on Aug. 7, 1782, is now awarded to personnel serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who are wounded or killed in action. Howland was awarded the medal “for wounds received in action” on Sept. 23, 1950.
Howland was originally from Mozier in Calhoun County. Many folks in Greene County remember him as a quiet man who worked well with his teammate “Bud” Brinker at the Greene County Service Company. One can only think, however, that when he was in combat, he was no meek and mild wallflower.
Members of the Historical Society felt that it was time to re-tell Howland’s military story and recognize his personification of General Washington’s intention – to honor the legacy of valor and dedication for all who serve in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.