Cpl. Howard Godwin, Jr.

Cpl. Howard  Godwin, Jr., was born May 28, 1928, in Grafton, West Virginia, the son of the late Howard D. and Estel Godwin.  He enlisted in the Army on February 5, 1948, and served in Company A, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division.

Howard was reported missing in action on July 20, 1950, after being involved in a battle with the North Koreans during the opening days of the war.  His regiment was holding a defensive line in South Korea overlooking the Taejon Airfield, northeast of the city.  This and other actions by his unit allowed United Nations forces to establish a perimeter around the port city of Pusan.  His remains were not identified among those returned the U.S. custody following the war. 

Howard was posthumously promoted to Corporal on May 1, 1953.  Corporal Godwin’s awards and decorations included the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Service Medal, United Nations Korea Service Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge. 

At the time of Howard’s death, he was survived by his parents and siblings Ronald, Dale, Norma, Delberta, and Dianna.  In addition to his parents, Dale and Norma have since passed away.

 Howard’s remaining family members were notified on July 8, 2024, that his remains were accounted for in Hawaii at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the “Punchbowl.”  He had been buried in a grave marked “unknown” and identification was made through DNA that his family submitted years earlier.

Howard Godwin, Jr.’s remains will be laid to rest at the West Virginia National Cemetery, in his hometown of Grafton, on Friday, November 15, at 1:00 p.m. Full military graveside rites will be accorded by the US Army honor guard and the Taylor County honor guard. Online condolences can be sent to the Godwin family at www.bartlettfuneralhomewv.com. Bartlett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Godwin family.

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