HOWARD SCHOLZ
NO I CK 69 GOVT
MR AND MRS ALBERT J SCHOLZ PARENTS ROUTE NO 2 COLFAX
Deeply regret to inform you that your son Second Lieutenant howard
A Scholz USMCR died of wounds received in action in the performance
of his duty and service of his country Report shows that your
son's remains were buried at sea with appropriate military honors.
To prevent possible aid to our enemies do not divulge the name of
his ship or station Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Letter follows.
A A Vandergrift Lieutenant General USMC Commandant
of the Marine Corps
In the field
My dear Mrs. Scholz,
We have just returned to base from our invasion of the
I know only too well what you are going thru, having lost a kid brother at
I thought you would like to know the circumstances about Howard's death. His platoon was assigned to land the artillery and on September 15th we landed under very heavy mortar and gunfire. Howard was in the lead tractor of his platoon and upon reaching the beach found it mined quite heavily. He got out of the tractor in order to guide his platoon thru the land mine field and when a short distance inland a Jap threw a hand grenade into the lead tractor. Howard ran around the tractor in pursuit and in doing so moved directly in front of a pillbox and was hit by machine gun fire in the side and shoulders. He was immediately rushed out to a hospital ship but died the following day, Sept. 16th and was buried at sea on the same date.
I know there is little I can say or do to help in a time like this but I do want you to know that Howard was an excellent officer, well liked by officers and men alike, and he will be ever missed by all members of this command.
He fought and died like a true Marine, on the field of battle in the service of the country we all love - "Greater love hath no man"
Again my deepest sympathy and if I can be of service at any future time, please feel free to call upon me.
Sincerely,
Chas. B. Neven
Lt. Col. USMC
Sunday
South Pacific
Dear Mr. Scholz;
I read your letter written to Capt Evans, Dec 30th with great interest. At the outset I wish to offer my heartfelt sympathy for the great loss you have suffered in this most horrible conflict. I was executive officer of company B and was quite close to Howard. Being married and living in
He carried on with his work very diligently and was thought of very highly by his boys. It was really shocking to them in combat, and they felt his loss very greatly. So you & your folks can be most proud of Howard's achievements, because he was a fine officer and a gentleman.
I would have written much sooner but I'm sure Capt Evans included all the officers and men in the company in his letter of sympathy and condolence.
At the present time I am Company Commander of the H&S Co. of this Battalion. Being roommate of Capt Evans, I couldn't forsake the opportunity to answer you after reading your kind letter. I wish you would convey the contents of this letter to Howard's wife a very sweet girl. I guess she remembers me, as we rode home together on a few occasions.
We are still continuing our training and the boys are working every day and doing a remarkable job. The weather has been terrifically hot for the past 2 wks. It appears the rainy season is approaching since we had an abundance of rain yesterday and today. The officers here enjoy a little volley ball after evening chow and it serves as good recreation and conditioning. We have movies about four times a week and various athletic games for the men.
If ever, I come with(in) distance of Colfax, I certainly will drop in to see you. The men and myself of this organization are certainly grateful for your most welcomed invitation. My home is in
I must conclude now with best wishes to Howard's wife and your family.
Respectfully-
M. J. Roscio
1st Lt. USMCR