Citation for DSC: 

For extraordinary heroism on 1 February 1943, while participating in an air flight which took off from Guadalcanal.  As bombardier for a heavy bomber of a formation of four bombers on a mission to bomb enemy shipping, Lieutenant Howat displayed exceptional courage and bravery  in the ensuing action.  The formation accomplished it mission obtaining three hits on an enemy transport, shortly thereafter the formation was attacked by approximately thirty Zero fighters.  During the battle three of the bombers were shot down.  Lieutenant Howat was a wounded in the leg as he operated the machine gun in the nose of the bomber.  When again attacked, he crawled back to his gun to fire the last nine rounds of ammunition, shooting down an enemy fighter, although he received additional wounds in his shoulder, elbow and hand.

In 1950, Howat received a Legion of Merit, after serving with distinction as head of all investigative actions in Korea during the period 22 July to 27 Oct.

 He retired from the Air Force as a LT. Colonel.