By LTC Roman (RET),
On December 23rd, 2009, Colonel Robert L. Howard, believed to be the most highly decorated American Soldier since World War 2, passed away as a result of his battle with pancreatic cancer. It is fitting to take a few moments and honor his achievements borne out of an incredible dedication to the Army Core Values and to his country.
Colonel Howard enlisted in the Army in 1956 at the age of seventeen. As an enlisted man, he rose into the ranks of the NCO corps, and served five separate tours in Vietnam, first in a covert role with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), and later during the official wartime hostilities. In a single thirteen month period, he was nominated for the Medal of Honor for acting with extreme valor.
The first two awards were downgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross, due to the covert nature of the operations during which Colonel Howard's actions took place. As a Sergeant First Class, still part of the MACV-SOG on December 30, 1968, while second in command of a platoon sized element, he rose to the occasion of one of the most valorous actions ever described in American military history. As follows are excerpts from his Medal of Honor citation:
"... distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam.... when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the engagement, 1stLT. (then Sfc.) Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. 1stLt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously ... Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1stLT Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader.
As 1stLt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer's equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant's belt, detonating several rounds of ammunition... Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1stLt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1stLt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy. For 3 1/2 hours 1stLt. Howard's small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters... and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely."
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Colonel Howard earned many more awards and decorations, as follows:
The Medal of Honor
The Distinguished Service Cross, twice
The Silver Star, Seven times
The Defense Superior Service Medal
The Legion of Merit, four times
The Bronze star, four times, with "V" device
The Purple heart, Wounded 14 times in Vietnam, awarded 8 times
The Meritorious Service Medal, three times
The Air Medal, With "V" device and numeral 3, one for heroism and two for aerial achievement
Joint Service Commendation
Army Commendation Medal, with "V" device, awarded 4 times for valor, 3 for achievement
Joint Service Achievement
Army Achievement
Good Conduct Medal, awarded four times
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, with three service stars, awarded 3 times
Vietnam Service Medal, with 3 service stars, awarded three times
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
NCO Professional Development Ribbon, with 2 device
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Unit citations:
Presidential Unit Citation (Army) with oak leaf cluster, awarded twice
Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army)
Navy Unit Commendation
Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation, with Palm (Unit Citation)
Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation, with palm (unit citation)
Badges, qualifications and tabs:
Ranger Tab
Special Forces Tab
Combat Infantryman Badge
Expert Infantryman's Badge
Aircrew Badge
Master Parachutist Badge
Pathfinder Badge
Air Assault Badge
Expert Marksmanship Badge
Vietnamese Ranger Badge
Vietnamese Master Parachute Badge
Thai Master Parachute Wings
Korean Master Parachute Badge
Thai Balloonist Badge
French Parachutist Badge
Colonel Robert L. Howard was by any definition one of the greatest American soldiers in our long and storied history. It is only fitting that we render honors to a true Ranger, who has finally gone on to his promised and well earned rest. Sua Sponte. |
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