NOTICE OF PASSING – Sergeant Major Howard Metcalf, U.S. Army, Retired

It is with sincere regret that we announce the passing of Sergeant Major (Retired) Howard Metcalf, the 8th Regimental Sergeant Major of the JAG Corps.  Sergeant Major Metcalf passed away on November 25, 2019 at the age of 72. 

As a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Sergeant Major Howard Metcalf enlisted in the US Army in 1969 and completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (Infantry) at Fort Polk, Louisiana.  He served as an infantryman in Vietnam from January 1970 to February 1971 with both the 90th Replacement Battalion and the 321st Transportation Company.  Upon his return from the Republic of Korea he returned to civilian life.

In 1977, Sergeant Major Metcalf again enlisted in the US Army, this time as a Legal Specialist.  His initial assignment after graduation from 71D Advanced Individual Training at Fort Ben Harrison IN was as a Battalion Legal NCO with the 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery, Korea.  Other assignments include Lawyers Assistant, NCOIC of Admin Section and Pre-Trial Section, 21st Support Command, Germany, Instructor Developer with Company C, 1st Battalion, Troop Brigade, Fort Ben Harrison, IN, Senior Legal NCO, Combined Field Army, Korea, 71 D Branch Manager, Falls Church, VA, First Sergeant, Company A, 369th AG Battalion.  Prior to his assignment at the Pentagon, Sergeant Major Metcalf served as the Chief Legal NCO, 8th US Army, Korea.

Sergeant Major Metcalf was a graduate of the all Professional Military Education along with the Battle Staff Course and Master Fitness Course.  Some of Sergeant Major Metcalf’s award included the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal w/4olc, Army Commendation Medal w/1olc, Army Achievement Medal w/1olc, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the German Marksmanship Badge.

In November 1997, Sergeant Major Metcalf was selected as the 8th Sergeant Major of The Judge Advocate General’s Corps and on 17 February 1998, he assumed that role and responsibility of serving as the primary advisor to The Judge Advocate General of the Army, in all matters concerning Legal Specialists and Noncommissioned Officers in the United States Army.

Sergeant Major Metcalf is survived by wife, Joyce and their two sons Demetrius and Desmond

Funeral services for Sergeant Major Metcalf, will be held at Bibleway Church of Atlas Road, 2440 Atlas Road, Columbia, SC on at 2:00pm on 1 December 2019 and he will be laid to rest at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Fort Jackson, SC at 12:00pm on 2 December 2019.  

Please keep the Metcalf’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

CHARLES N. PEDE
Lieutenant General, USA
The Judge Advocate General