​​Memorial to Major Thomas D. Howie​

​​Major Howie had seen previous combat in Africa and Europe before he landed in Normandy with the US 29th Infantry Division. The 116th Infantry Regiment had broken out from the Omaha beach area and slowly progressed south throughout June and July towards Saint-Lo. 

​As the Division approached the town of Saint-Lo, they were positioned to the northeast corner of the outskirts. On their right flank was the US 35th Infantry Division and to the left was the US 2nd Infantry Division. It was slow progress for the Division as the advance towards Saint-Lo through the bocage countryside. 

​On 17 July 1944, General Gerhardt issued new order for the advance to Saint-Lo. The 116th Infantry Regiment were positioned on the Martinville Ridge area. The 3rd Battalion would make and assault. Colonel Dwyer briefed all the men in the regiment that if the Germans made a counter everyone was to take arms and “fight like hell”. Replacements came in the night before the attack with 250 men and 19 officers. These were much needed replacements. 

​The 3rd Battalion was to make the attack, link up with the 2nd Battalion and then push west towards the town. Major Howie would be in command of the 3rd Battalion. At 04:30 the attack commenced, and they came under intense German fire from both flanks. By 05:00 Major Howie had skilfully got his men through the main line of German resistance using the fog and bayonets to not give away the full movement and positions of Americans. 

​Major Howie linked up with the 2nd Battalion but had limited supplies with him to pass on. The 2nd Battalion was also under strength and was meant to lead the attack onto Saint-Lo. Major Howie was asked by Colonel Dwyer if he could make the advance to which he replied, “Will do”. 

​He quickly replenished the battalion with supplies ready to continue the advance into the eastern side of the town. He issued the orders to the battalion to continue with the advance into Saint-Lo. Just as he had done this, a German mortar barrage came in. His command post was hit and Major Howie was killed in action. 

​The following day the US 29th Infantry Division entering Saint-Lo. The body of Major Howie had been placed onto a stretcher and draped in an American flag. It was respectfully placed on a pile of rubble next to the church of the Holy Cross. Eventually, Major Howie would be moved to the American Normandy Cemetery. He would be buried there in Plot 6, Row 14, Grave 12.