Major Jim Howard was leading the 354th Fighter Group on an escort mission in their new P-51 Mustangs when he won the Medal of Honor. A large battle was in progress with over a hundred German fighters as the P-51s joined with the bomber formations. Major Howard rushed to the bombers' aid and downed three aircraft within the first few minutes. Finding himself alone, he decided to protect a formation of B-17s of the 401st BG on his own. For the next hour, Major Howard attacked and fended off a number of enemy aircraft, damaging several and possibly shooting down several more. He was eventually credited for four kills. The grateful bomber crews reported his single-handed exploits and Major Howard received the Medal of Honor.
