Samuel L. Howard

Samuel Lutz Howard (March 8, 1891 – October 12, 1960) was a United States Marine Corps officer who served with distinction in the Marine Corps for thirty-eight years, attaining the rank of major general while on active duty, and subsequently promoted to Lieutenant General upon retirement.

In the early stages of World War II, then-Colonel Howard commanded the 4th Marine Regiment on Bataan and Corregidor from December 7, 1941, to May 6, 1942. For distinguished service in battles, he was awarded the Navy Cross. Captured by the Japanese at Corregidor and held as a prisoner of war from 1942 until being liberated in 1945. He was the most senior U.S. Marine to be held captive during World War II. After the war, he continued to serve in senior command posts until his retirement in 1953.