James Howard (soldier)

Howard was born in Newton, New Jersey.^[1] He served in the Union Army as a Sergeant in Company K of the 158th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War.^[1] Howard earned his medal in action at Battery Gregg during the Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia on April 2, 1865.^[1] He received his medal on May 12, 1865.^[2] He died on November 8, 1879, in Fort McKavett, Texas and is now buried in San Antonio National Cemetery, Texas.^[1]

Howard had carried the colors in advance of the line of battle, the flagstaff being subsequently shot off while he was planting it on the parapet of the fort.^[2]