John Martin Howard (20 August 1917 – 11 June 1942) was a United States Navy officer from Pennsylvania who served during World War II as a Naval mine disposalman.

The mine's 470 lb charge detonated killing Howard and Edwards and scattered debris for two hundred yards in each direction along the beach.

[5] Investigation by the officer intended to assist, if Edwards had waited, revealed that the mine did not have a new anti-tampering device, but an old and previously unknown one.

The U.S. Navy Bomb Disposal Intelligence Bulletin published 1 November 1944 noted that regardless of mechanical events "the fact remains that the tragedy can be definitely and directly attributed to an utter disregard for established and proven RMS Procedure.

"[5] Howard was buried at sea and is commemorated on the Tablets of the Missing at the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial in Coton, Cambridgeshire, England.

Both Howard and Edwards were commemorated on a special plaque in the St. Nicholas minster church in Great Yarmouth, England.