Howard Edward C. Breitung
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army

In April 1942, Lieutenant Colonel Howard Edward C. Breitung was commanding the 2nd Battalion, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft) in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

From 9 April to 2 May 1942, LTC Breitung's 2nd Battalion was in action against Japanese forces at Corregidor in the Philippine Islands. LTC Breitung's leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism during this period earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

LTC Breitung was captured after the fall of the Philippine Islands, As a Prisoner of War he attempted to escape and was then executed by the Japanese for that attempt on 30 September 1942.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Prisoner of War Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Lieutenant Colonel (Coast Artillery Corps) Howard Edward C. Breitung (ASN: 0-15314), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while Commanding the 2d Battalion, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), in action against enemy forces during the period 9 April 1942 to 2 May 1942, at Corregidor, in the Philippine Islands. Lieutenant Colonel Breitung's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 215 (1945)

Burial

Lieutenant Colonel Howard Edward C. Breitung is buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines in Plot N, Row 10, Grave 33.