Howard Willie Wagner

Service No.: 37415613
Ship Assignment: USS LST-531
ABMC Memorial Page: Click Here

Howard Willie Wagner, born on January 25, 1923, in De Soto, Missouri, embodied the spirit of a young American man called to service during the tumultuous years of World War II.

His life, though tragically brief, stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by countless individuals who answered the call to defend freedom and democracy on a global scale.

Born to Wesley Wagner (1887-1970) and Lulu Ethel Millard Wagner (1893-1967), he was one of five children, including older sisters Emma Catherine Wagner Buckner (1916-1993) and Stella Marie Wagner Rouggly (1917-2012), older brother Alfred Wesley “Sunshine” Wagner (1919-1998), and younger sister Bonnie Wagner Ladd (1927-2009).

The Wagner family, like many in the region, likely relied on agriculture as their primary source of sustenance and livelihood. Howard’s formative years were spent immersed in the routines of farm life, learning the value of hard work, resilience, and a connection to the land. He likely contributed to various aspects of the farm’s operation, from tending crops to caring for livestock, instilling in him a sense of responsibility and self-reliance.

His formal education was limited to two years of high school, suggesting that economic realities and the demands of farm labour may have taken precedence over academic pursuits. Nevertheless, his upbringing undoubtedly instilled in him a practical intelligence and a grounding in the values of his community.

Before enlisting in the army, Howard’s civil occupation was that of a general farmer, further solidifying his connection to the land and his understanding of the rhythms of nature. His life was that of a typical young man living in rural America in the early 1940s.

Military Service

The shadow of World War II began to loom large over the United States, and Howard, like many young men of his generation, felt the pull of duty. He registered for the draft on June 30th, 1942, a testament to his willingness to serve his country if called upon.

The following year, on February 1st, 1943, or possibly February 8th, 1943 (military records differ), he officially enlisted in the U.S. Army at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. This act marked a significant departure from his familiar life as a farmer and signified his commitment to the larger cause of defending freedom against the rising tide of fascism.

The military record provides a snapshot of the young man who entered the armed forces. At 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 147 pounds, with a light complexion, blonde hair, and blue eyes, Howard presented a picture of youthful vigour.

His final rank was Private, service number was 37415613, and the details of his training are absent from the historical record, but he would have undergone the necessary basic training. Howard was eventually assigned to the 3206th Quartermaster Service Company along with his friend from school, Delmar Richard Allen.

The 3206th Quartermaster Service Company was a unit responsible for providing essential logistical support to troops in the field. This included the transportation, storage, and distribution of supplies such as food, clothing, equipment, and ammunition.

Service in the Quartermaster Corps, though not directly involving combat, was crucial to the success of military operations, ensuring that soldiers on the front lines had the resources they needed to fight.

Tragically, Howard Wagner’s service was cut short. He died on April 28th, 1944, along with his colleagues whilst partaking in the D-Day rehearsal operation Exercise Tiger, a mere fifteen months after enlisting. Having left aboard LST-531 from Devonport Naval Base, Plymouth in Devon, as part of convoy T-4, LST-531 was one of the ships attacked by German E-boats in Lyme Bay. The ship was hit by torpedoes and sank, resulting in significant loss of life.

His status was initially listed as “Missing in Action,” which meant that the army had no definitive evidence of his demise or the location of his remains. He was only 21 years old. This ambiguity must have been a source of immense grief and uncertainty for his family. The pain of not knowing the circumstances of his death or having a physical body to mourn undoubtedly compounded their suffering.

Howard Willie Wagner’s story is a microcosm of the experiences of countless young Americans who answered the call to duty during World War II. He left behind a life of farming in rural Missouri to serve his country, ultimately paying the ultimate price.

Although his life was tragically short, his memory lives on through the historical records and commemorations that documents his service and sacrifice.

He remains a symbol of the courage, commitment, and resilience of the “Greatest Generation”. He is forever remembered as a son, a brother, and a patriot who gave his all for the cause of freedom. His sacrifice must never be forgotten.

Honours and Memorials

Private Howard W. Wagner was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, indicating that he had been wounded more than once under conditions that qualified for the Purple Heart, an honour bestowed upon soldiers who were wounded or killed in action. This recognition serves as a testament to his sacrifice while serving his country.

Howard’s name is inscribed in the American Roll of Honour book in the American Memorial Chapel Roll of Honour at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and is commemorated on Tablets of the Missing at the American Battle Monuments Commission Cemetery and Memorial, Cambridge, United Kingdom.

On July 23rd 1956, Howard’s mother, Lulu Wagner, applied for a memorial headstone to be placed in the Flucom Cemetery, De Soto, Missouri. There is, so far, no more information available to confirm the outcome of this application.

On October 17th, 1989, Howard Willie Wagner was symbolically laid to rest in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. His name is inscribed on a memorial stone erected in honour of individuals whose remains have not been recovered or identified. Hopefully, this final act provided a sense of closure for his family and allowed them to have a dedicated place to remember and honour his life.

The memorial stone stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in World War II, even when their bodies could not be brought home. The location of his memorial stone is Section Mb Site 32.