Koch, Howard R., 1925-

Howard Koch was born in Oakland, Calif. in 1925 and enlisted in the Army at San Francisco, Calif. in 1943. At the time of his enlistment he had one year of college and was unmarried. Koch joined the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale, Colo. and also served at Camp Carson, Colo. before being sent to Italy. He served in several units: Headquarters of the 1st Battalion and of the 2nd Battalion of the 86th Infantry Division; Headquarters of the 2nd Battalion of the 87th Infantry Division; Company I of the 90th Infantry Regiment; Companies I, F and M of the 85th and Company C of the 86th Infantry Divisions. Koch was awarded the Bronze Star medal for his actions at Sassomolare in March 1945. He received an officer's commission during his Army career, attaining the rank of Second Lieutenant.