U.S. Navy
Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class
1942-1946

Howard J. Van Meter served in the United States Navy during WWII receiving COMMENDATION by Commander SEVENTH FLEET for "maintenance of a highly important Naval Base for the supply and repair of fighting ships and service to the Fleet with the utmost efficiency, which contributed materially to the successful operation of the Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area during the period March 1944 to  February  1945."

Howard contributed to his Patrol Wing 10 squadron as an Aviation Structural Mechanic and was assigned to Carrier Support Unit 37 and Carrier Support Unit 42. He served most of his time in the jungles of the Philippine Islands, which entitled him to wear the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, along with earning the American Area, the Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Howard was also a triumphant boxer during his enlistment in the United States Navy, ranking gold and silver medals.

After Howard was honorably discharged, he spent the rest of his life in Farmington Hills as a proud American veteran of the United States Navy.