Last Primary MOS
766-Radio Operator High Speed Manual
Last MOS Group
Signal
Service Years
1942 - 1945
Last Photo
Personal Details
Home State
West Virginia
Year of Birth 1906
This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSG Justin Davis
to remember
Garnes, Howard Winford, Pfc.
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Contact Info
Home Town Nestorville
Date of Passing Dec 08, 1980
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS HOWARD WINFORD GARNES WORKED AS A PIANO TUNER BEFORE ENTERING THE SERVICE ON 18 NOVEMBER 1942. AFTER ATTENDING RADIO OPERATOR SCHOOL HE WAS SENT TO THE PACIFIC. PFC GARNES SERVED IN THE PACIFIC WITH HEADQUARTERS COMPANY 98TH SIGNAL BATTALION FROM 16 MAY 1944 TO 22 OCTOBER 1945. PFC GARNES WAS HONORABLY DISCHARGED ON 3 NOVEMBER 1945 AT CAMP ATTERBURY INDIANA. HOWARD GARNES PASSED AWAY ON 8 DECEMBER 1980.
Description (New Guinea Campaign 24 January 1943 to 31 December 1944) After the loss of Buna and Gona in New Guinea, the Japanese fell back on their stronghold at Lae. Their attempt to reinforce Lae by sea in March 1943 met with disaster when American and Australian planes sank most of the convoy in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. Salamaua and Lae then became the objectives for an Allied advance along the northern coast of New Guinea. Fifth Air Force bombers attacked airfields at Wewak, 300 miles west of Lae, to neutralize them. The Allies dropped paratroops at Nadzab, just beyond Lae. Enemy resistance at Salamaua broke on 14 September 1943; Lae fell two days later. In the months that followed, MacArthur’s forces pushed westward, capturing some Japanese strongholds and bypassing others. After taking Hollandia in April 1944, the Allies attacked islands off the northern coast of New Guinea, taking Wakde and Biak in May, Owi in June, and Noemfoor in July. Sansapor on New Guinea also was gained in July. Aerial attacks on the Philippines began in August, and Morotai was seized in October to provide air bases for the invasion of the Philippines. Allied planes also bombed the oil center at Balikpapan and other targets in Borneo and Celebes.