Howard Greenwell served with the 357th Fighter Squadron of the 355th Fighter Group, flying missions out of Steeple Morden, England.



Later he joined the newly formed 2nd Scouting Force, (still based at Steeple Morden) a formation of fighter aircraft that were especially tasked with going forward in advance of the heavy bomber formations to visually check the all important weather conditions en-route to the target area, diminishing the risk of bombers having to abort their missions due to heavy cloud.



Although expressly forbidden to engage enemy forces, because of their reconnaissance role, 2nd SF did account for a number of enemy aircraft. By their final mission of 25 April 1945, 2nd SF were credited with thirteen kills in the air, two ground, two probables and eight damaged. Among that total Greenwell is confirmed as having destroyed the 355th Group's first Me 262 jet fighter on the ground at Neuberg airfield, 23 February, 1945.