Posted by Eugene B. Mechling, Jr on December 12, 2007:

Tiger represented the spirit and determination of our 49er WWII can-do Class! And where did Martin D. Howell get the moniker " Tiger" - on the football field of course! Here was a 178 pound tackle, with a gimpy knee, fighting his way up from B-Squad to play first string tackle, on A-Squad, during Army's Football Hay Days. And here was a player in the middle of an important game, down on the turf, wiggling his gimpy knee back into place and trotting back into the line. If not the start of his trade name, certainly it's confirmation and coronation! Tiger was a good friend from C and B Squad days. We weren't in the same Company, nor did I see him in many, or any, of my Last Section classes. In fact, he was a Hive! I learned many years later, at a reunion, that he owned a PHD. That floored me, seemed so out of character, I asked why how could you desert us erstwhile grunts? He said I couldn't stand working for the bastards, so I decided to join them! Join them he did, as his, post West Point, career has exemplified by positions on OSD and with Congress. Yet, the old Tiger furthered his reputation in combat in Viet Nam by winning two Silver Stars plus. Now that was the Tiger we all knew! My fondest memories of Tiger go back to football trips. Fortunately, some of those tales must remain sealed with this passing of a great friend and eternal spirit. God be with you, old pal! You have left an indelible memory with all of us who knew you over the years! Gene

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