Maj. Thomas D. Howie, The Major of St. Lô
Birthplace of Thomas Dry Howie (1908-1944), World War II hero famous as "The Major of St. Lô." Abbeville High School, Class of 1925. The Citadel, Class of 1929, where he was an all-state football player and was president of his class. Coach and teacher, Staunton Military Academy, Staunton, Va., 1929-1941. Lt., 116th Inf., Va. National Guard (29th Division), 1941. Promoted to major; served at regimental H.Q. until
July 1944, when he took command of the 3rd Btn. Howie told his men, "I'll see you in St. Lô"-a major Allied objective in the weeks after D-Day. He was killed July 17, 1944, the day before American troops captured the town. In a tribute from his comrades, Howie's flag-draped body was carried into St. Lô on the lead jeep and lay in state on the rubble of St. Croix Church. "Dead in France, Deathless in Fame."
Where it stands. 118 Pinckney St., Abbeville