By
Bill on
December 24th, 2009 at 5:54 am
He passed away in Texas yesterday. The citation for his Medal of honor read-
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 
1st Lt. Howard (then Sfc .), 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. The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. 1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. As 1st Lt. 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 magazines of ammunition. 1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area. Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. 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 1st Lt. Howard’s small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely. 1st Lt. Howard’s gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
A very brave man. RIP.
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8:03 am on December 24th, 2009 1
As a staff sergeant of the highly-classified Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), Howard was recommended for the Medal of Honor on three separate occasions for three individual actions during thirteen months spanning 1967–1968. The first two nominations were downgraded to the award of the Distinguished Service Cross due to the covert nature of the operations in which Howard participated. As a Sergeant First Class of the same organization, he risked his life during a rescue mission in Cambodia on December 30, 1968, while second in command of a platoon-sized Hornet force that was searching for missing American soldier Robert Scherdin, and was finally awarded the Medal of Honor.
It is believed by some historians that Howard is the most highly-decorated living American soldier in history. His residence was in Texas and he spent much of his free time working with veterans at the time of his death. He also took periodic trips to Iraq to visit active duty troops.
Awards and decorations
Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross w/1 olc
Silver Star
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit w/3 olc
Bronze Star w/3 olc and “V” device
Purple Heart x8 (w/ 1 silver olc and 2 bronze olc
Meritorious Service ribbon w/ 2 olc
Air Medal w/ “V” device and numeral 3 (1 for heroism and 2 for achievement
JSCOM
ARCOM w/ “V” device, 1 silver olc, 1 bronze olc. 4 awards for valor and 3 for achievement
JSAM
AAM
* Good Conduct Medal, 4 Good Conduct Loops (4 awards)
* National Defense Service Medal
* Armed Forces Reserve Medal
* Vietnam Service Medal
* NCO Professional Development Ribbon with 2 device
* Army Overseas Ribbon
* Army Service Ribbon
* Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, w/3 Service stars
* Army Presidential Unit Citation, 1 OLC
* Presidential Unit Citation
* Presidential Unit Citation (United States) 2001, Studies and Observations Group
* Navy Unit Commendation
* Army Meritorious Unit Citation
Foreign decorations
* Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device
* Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star
Corps citation
* Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star
Division citation
* Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star
Regiment or Brigade citation
* Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 2nd Award
* Vietnam Wound Medal
* Vietnam Civil Actions Medal 2nd Award
* Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm,
1st Oak Leaf Cluster (Unit citation)
* Republic of Korea Order of National Security Merit
* Samil Medal
Badges, qualifications and tabs
* US Army Special Forces
* SF RI
* Ranger Tab
* Special Forces Tab
* Combat Infantryman Badge
* Aircrew Badge
* Master Parachutist Badge
* Pathfinder Badge
* Air Assault Badge
* Expert Infantryman’s Badge
* Vietnamese Ranger Badge
* Vietnamese Master Parachute Badge
* Thai Master Parachute Wings
* Korean Master Parachute Badge
* Thai Balloonist Badge
* French Parachutist Badge
Reply
December 24th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
“Howard was recommended for the Medal of Honor on three separate occasions for three individual actions during thirteen months spanning 1967–1968. The first two nominations were downgraded to the award of the Distinguished Service Cross due to the covert nature of the operations in which Howard participated.”
Looking at his list of medals he must have know someone “close to the flagpole” who was an excellent writer.
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8:20 am on December 24th, 2009 2
If there is a Valhalla, I’m certain Colonel Howard is there right now showing Thor how to call in Close Air Support while downing pitchers of mead. Truly a great man…
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10:24 am on December 24th, 2009 3
So lets see
We have had MEN like COL Bob Howard in the Army and we also have females like the black single females named Alexis Hutchinson who refuse to serve country? Just think if we didn’t have men like Howard and only women like Hutchinson.
Bleeding hearts: I offer you no sympathy and curse you with every breath I take.
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December 24th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Point made, and I 2nd it.
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December 24th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
There are SOLDIERS, then there are people who show up for the free stuff.
Right on, Lemmy.
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12:11 pm on December 24th, 2009 4
Very impressive- that REAL courage.
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2:19 pm on December 24th, 2009 5
Col. Howard is a true American hero whos bravery and deeds can only be appreciated by those who served with him. It’s probably better that he is dead rather than to be in a country with a commander in chief who has no honor and has shown no respect for the flag some of us fought for.
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December 24th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
” a Commander in Chief with no honor”. The US has had too many ‘leaders with no honor’ in recent history (50 years) for anyone to have served other than for their country and the hope for better leaders to come.
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6:56 pm on December 24th, 2009 6
There must be one AMAZING rendezvous in Valhalla this year.
Here’s to a life well lived, an example for us so well set.
Proud I got to meet him, and served with those who had been commanded by him.
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