Howard L. Lovell
United States Army, World War II
Killed in Action
January 9, 2017 - 1 It was October, 1939 and while the United States would not be involved in World War II for another two years, it had begun a month earlier with the invasion of Poland by Germany and subsequent declarations of war on Germany by France and the United Kingdom. 2 The German’s attempt to exterminate Jews is well known but October, 1939 began a lesser known extermination of the sick and disabled. Called “mercy killing” by the Germans and code named “Aktion T4” the Nazi euthanasia program to eliminate “life unworthy of life” began. 3 October, 1939 in the United States saw the NY Yankees sweeping the Cincinnati Reds in the 36th World Series; LaGuardia Airport opening in New York City; “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” starring Jimmy Stewart released; and the first TV NFL game between the Eagles and the Dodgers is aired.
Here in Shelby County, 18-year-old Howard L. Lovell said goodbye to his parents, Felix Leon “Bud” (1901-1974) and Lillie Mae Clopton Lovell (1902-1975) and joined the US Army. He also left behind brother J. B. and sisters, Dorothy and Mary. During his youth, he had lived in on the Upper Arcadia Road and in Choice, Texas. He also attended Shelbyville High School.
4 He trained with the Army in San Diego, California, Fort Bliss, Texas and Fort Crockett, Galveston, Texas. After training he was assigned to Company F of the 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division (Blue Devils). 5 The 88th Division was reactivated on July 15, 1942 at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma. Comprised of mostly draftees, many of the newly conscripted men came from New England and the Mid-Atlantic States. Young and inexperienced, the men began formal training August 3rd, 1942. The 351st Infantry Regiment that Private Howell was a member of began a long slow voyage across the ocean to North Africa aboard a liberty ship in November, 1943. The 350th and 349th Infantry Regiments followed and the entire 88th Infantry Division consisting of 14,000 men assembled in North Africa in late December, 1943. On February, 1st, 1944 the 88th Division began their trip to Italy and became the first draftee division to enter a combat zone in World War II. Months of intense fighting ensued with the 88th Division losing more than 6,000 men killed, wounded, or missing. The division fought so fiercely that German prisoners remarked that the troops fought “like devils”. As a result, the 88th Division eventually adopted the nickname “Blue Devils” in reference to their blue shoulder patches.
It was during this intense fighting that Private Howard L. Lovell of Shelby County, Texas was killed in action two days after Christmas, 1944 and 53 days before his 23rd birthday. In 344 days of combat, the 88th Infantry Division lost 2,298 men killed in action and 9,225 men wounded. The Blue Devils proved that with rigorous training, teamwork, competent leadership, and fierce determination, an all-draftee division was more than capable of fighting well against a well-trained, well-equipped, and battle-hardened enemy. Even under the worst circumstances, the men of the 88th gave their all and wound up playing an integral part in the defeat of the German Army in Italy. The unit was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation (now called the Presidential Unit Citation) in July, 1944.
6 An undated article from the Champion Newspaper printed in part a letter the family received from the 88th Division Chaplain, Lt. Colonel Wallace M. Hale. It read “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lovell: We know the sadness and grief caused by Pvt. Lovell’s death, and we wish to extend to you and his loved ones the sincerest and heartfelt sympathy of his commanding general and of his comrades-in-arms. Comparatively few people will ever be able to understand just how much he sacrificed for his country, but we who lived with him realize that he was a hero in the fullest sense of the word and know that in giving his life for his country, he made the supreme sacrifice. Your son was buried in a U. S. Military cemetery in Northern Italy and a simple Protestant battlefield service was conducted at his graveside. I tried to conduct it in a manner that was befitting his death and one that would have been pleasing to you if you could have been present. Mr. and Mrs. Lovell, our country can never repay you for the loss of your son, but I know that you will go to God for the peace and comfort and consolation that only He can give. May God bless and comfort you in your great loss.” Chaplain Hale survived the war, attained the rank of full Colonel and passed away in 2007.
The exact date his remains were returned to Shelby County, Texas is unknown but there were many service members brought home in 1948. He is buried in the Fairview Cemetery, Center, Texas. Day is done, God is nigh.
Medals and Ribbons
Distinguished Unit Citation, Burial Flag, US Army Private Rank Insignia
351st Infantry Regiment Insignia, Combat Infantryman Badge, 88th Infantry Regiment Insignia
Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal,
European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
(Sources: 1Wikipedia, 12//2016; 2Historyplace.com, 12/2016; 3Onthisday.com, 12/28/2016; 4Men & Women in the Armed Forces from Shelby County, undated; 5Armyhistory.org, 12/26/2016; 6Champion Newspaper, date unknown)
