Howard A Scholz was my husband’s first cousin, once removed. He was born 8 August 1921 in Seattle, Washington and died during WW2 in Peteliu, Palau, Philippines. His parents were Albert Julius Scholz (1890-1981) and Elizabeth Mackleit (1896-1972). His paternal grandparents were Adolph Scholz (1865-1939) and Rosina Muecke (1864-1960). Adolph immigrated from Prussia and Rosina from Austria. His maternal grandparents were Georg Mackleit (1868-1959) and Catharina Weitz (1872-1950) They both immigrated from Russia.
In the 1930 Census Howard and his family lived in Colfax, Washington. They were wheat farmers.
The same in the 1940 Census
In 1943 he attended Washington State College (Washington State University) in Pullman as seen on his WW2 draft card.
Howard enlisted just four days later, on April 23rd, 1943.
| Name | Howard A Scholz |
|---|---|
| Race | White |
| Marital Status | Single, without dependents (Single) |
| Rank | Private |
| Birth Year | 1921 |
| Nativity State or Country | Washington |
| Citizenship | Citizen |
| Residence | Whitman, Washington |
| Education | 4 years of college |
| Enlistment Date | 23 Apr 1943 |
| Enlistment Place | Spokane, Washington |
| Service Number | 39464950 |
| Branch | No branch assignment |
| Component | Selectees (Enlisted Men) |
| Source | Civil Life |
| Height | 83 |
| Weight | 000 |
Howard graduated from college in June 1943 and married his sweetheart, Miss Nancy E Rogers, a couple of months later in Seattle.
In December 1943 Howard received his commission in the marines at Quantico, Virginia.
According to the HonorStates.org, I quote: “Howard Scholz was wounded 9-15-1944 during the invasion of Peleliu. He died on board a hospital ship the next day and was buried at sea.”
Howard received two medals.
The Silver Star
Quoted from Home of Heroes: “The Silver Star remained exclusively an Army decoration until August 7, 1942 and was expanded by Act of Congress for award by the Navy Department.”
The Purple Heart
Quoted from Wikipedia: “The Purple Heart (PH) is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the president to those wounded or killed while serving.”
Howard gave his life for his country. He will never be forgotten. Howard is memorialized at the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines or on Find A Grave.
His name is also displayed at the Washington State University Veterans Memorial. The structure was dedicated in 1993 and completed in 2000.
To conclude this article I found a picture of Howard and his family in happier times at the Whitman County Online Heritage Collection.
Howard with his parents, Albert Julius and Elisabeth Scholz and his siblings, Audrey Jean, Winifred, Virginia and Bert in December 1936.
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