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Smith honors 'Merrill's Marauders' WWII vet who passed'Memorial service for WWII hero Gilbert Howland scheduled'By L.A. PARKER | laparker@trentonian.com | The Trentonian
PUBLISHED: Had just filed an article last week on the death of Hamilton Twp. MSGT World War II hero Gilbert Howland when the phone rang. Howland’s son, Robert, had called to double-check the accuracy of a Trentonian article about his dad, a member of the famous Merrill’s Marauders. Had pulled up to George Page Park in East Trenton for a walk and in that same moment, two city employees arrived. They exited their city vehicle then eventually raised a brand new U.S. flag on the park’s pole. A halyard, that’s the rope or cable used to raise and lower the flag on the pole, moved the Stars and Stripes upward. And in that moment, I enjoyed a personal tribute to Gilbert Howland. Howland, born in Waltham, Mass. but settled in Hamilton Twp., had joined the U.S. Army at age 18. He eventually became a member of Gen. Frank Merrill’s Marauders, a mission-oriented group of 3,000 soldiers who fought behind Japanese enemy lines in the tangled jungle of Burma.
WWII hero Gilbert Howland, right, meets with congressman Chris Smith in 2019. (Submitted photo) Specialized in hit-and-run tactics, the Marauders were overmatched in numbers by Japanese forces. Legend alleges the Japanese believed Merrill’s Marauders — seemingly everywhere — totaled 15,000 men, not the group of 3,000, all volunteers. The film received production by the World War II Foundation and award-winning filmmaker Tim Gray. Tom Brokaw narrated the film while Bob Howland received credit as executive producer. Gilbert’s death, just two Marauders remain alive, generated numerous responses from Marauders’ extended family members and others. Locally, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) offered condolences via an email response. “America lost a true hero with the recent passing of Gilbert Howland, whom I had the great honor of meeting in my office just a few years ago,” said Smith. “Joining the Army at the young age of 18, Gilbert served our country with great valor as part of the legendary Merrill’s Marauders during World War II in addition to serving in Korea and Vietnam.” “We are forever indebted to Gilbert’s incredible sacrifice to safeguard our freedom from the evils of tyranny.” “As we commemorate Memorial Day, we remember and pay tribute to Gilbert Howland and all the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line across generations—especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice—to preserve our liberty and defend our great Nation.” Hamilton Twp. Mayor Jeff Martin noted. “Hamilton lost another hero recently with the passing of WWII veteran Gilbert Howland. A true patriot, like so many of his peers, he answered his nation’s call at a young age to defend democracy and then continued to serve his country in both Korea and Vietnam. I join with his loved ones in both mourning and celebrating his life.” Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 09:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Buklad-Merlino Yardville Memorial Home, 30 Yardville-Allentown Road, Yardville, NJ 08620. A prayer service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with local clergy officiating. Burial with honors will follow in Newtown Cemetery, Washington Avenue & Elm Street, Newtown PA, 18940. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Gilbert’s name to the Hillside School, ATTN: Rich Meyer, 404 Robin Hill St., Marlborough, MA 01752. In memory of Gilbert Howland, Class of 1939. Buklad-Merlino Yardville Memorial Home 30 Yardville-Allentown Road Yardville, NJ 08620 (609) 695-1868. This article ran on page 2 of the print edition of the Trentonian on June 2, 2022 and can be found online at:https://www.trentonian.com/2022/06/01/memorial-service-for-wwii-hero-gilbert-howland-scheduled-l-a-parker-column/ |