During World War II Howard served as Executive Officer of the USS YMS-24, a minesweeper. During the invasion of southern France the ship was severely damaged by a mine that killed her captain. Howard took command and fought valiantly to save his ship and crew, even jumping into the sea to rescue a wounded sailor. For his gallantry he was awarded the Navy Cross (the second highest military award of the U.S. Navy) and the French Croix de Guerre.
