While watching some videos on YouTube yesterday, I stumbled across a video about Colonel Robert L. Howard. Sadly to say, I had never heard of the guy before. After learning more about him, I am embarrassed to admit that I did not know who he is.
Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE in America should know about Soldiers like Colonel Robert Howard.
He is a true American hero. It’s gentlemen like him that make me very proud to be an American and a veteran.
What I’d like to do in the following paragraphs is tell you a little bit more about Colonel Robert Howard so you can see what makes him so special.
First and foremost, Colonel Howard was nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor three different times, the only person ever to receive that honor. Two of those nominations were downgraded to a Silver Star and the third one was approved. All three nominations were for his efforts during the Vietnam War, with the U.S. Army Special Forces. The citation for his Medal of Honor reads as follows:
“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 31⁄2 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.”
Source: Wikipedia
In addition to receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor, he was wounded FOURTEEN different times over 54 months of combat.
Think about that for a moment.
That’s four and a half years in a dangerous combat zone, doing Special Forces’ missions and putting his life on the line every day. Few people can ever say they gave so much for their country. Even though he kept getting wounded, he never stopped fighting.
In addition to receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor, he also was awarded eight Purple Hearts, four Bronze Stars, four Legion of Merits, the Defense Superior Service Medal, one Silver Star, and two Distinguished Service Crosses. Some people call him the most decorated Soldier of the modern military era (post WW2).
He enlisted in the Army in 1956, working his way up through the ranks to Master Sergeant, whereupon he received a direct appointment to First Lieutenant in 1969. After retiring from the Army with 36 years of service in 1992 as a full Colonel, he went on to work with veterans and spent the rest of his life working with and helping veterans.
Sadly, he died of pancreatic cancer on December 23, 2009 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery on February 22, 2010.
As Americans, we should do a better job remembering the heroes who protect and defend our freedom.
Colonel Robert L. Howard was one of those heroes.
I encourage you to read more about him, to visit his grave site in Arlington National Cemetery, to share his legacy with others and to give him a toast the next time you enjoy a nice beverage.
All I can say is that it would have been an honor to serve with him! He was a tremendous leader and warrior.
Before I close out this post, I thought I would share two few videos about Colonel Howard, so you can see for yourself.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Colonel Robert Howard is a true American hero. What he accomplished during his career is nothing short of fascinating. It’s because of Soldiers like him that we can continue to live in a free society. I hope you will take the time to study his career and learn from it.
Do you have any information you would add about this great hero? Just post all comments below…
Thank you.
Other posts you may enjoy:
- 75th Ranger Regiment: Top 19 Facts
- 7th Cavalry Regiment: Top 12 Facts
- The 23rd Infantry Division: 25 Cool Facts
- Top 10 Most Decorated U.S. Army Soldiers of All Time
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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WOW, Colonel Howard was pretty amazing! It is a shame that he isn’t more widely known, but then again there are so many soldiers who will never get the recognition they deserve beyond those who are familiar with them. Though those who serve do so because it is their calling, they don’t do it for fame, it is important for civilians to know who they are. Put real faces on those so dedicated and putting their lives on the line on a daily basis. Maybe then there will be a greater widespread appreciation for what soldiers do.
Our world has made heroes out of people that should never be recognized as a hero. We then have people like Colonel Howard who are not known, and they are true American heroes. I believe as writers, it is our duty to help change that course. I am currently working on a book with that message. I implore others to help spread who the true heroes are.
He was definitely a hero.
Chuck, I am ashamed to say I didn’t know who he was either. But this article was well written and gave a great overview of who this man was. A HERO. Thank you for sharing. I think we all have something to learn from men like the COL here.
I agree. And thanks for the comment, Candace.
This was an amazing story of a true American hero.
I found myself wiping tears from my face as I watched the videos. What moved me and made me pick up my phone was that in the first video I saw a familiar face. I had to call my Uncle Ken Tilton who served with Colonel Robert Howard in Vietnam. It seems Colonel Howard helped my Uncle out of the brush after he was shot and had also be bitten by a rabid rat.
My uncle, I know faced many perils in Vietnam. To hear of a man such as Colonel Howard who endured all he did warms my heart.
May he Rest In Peace!
It’s good that Colonel Howard could help out your Uncle.
I appreciate the comment. Please tell your uncle thank you for his service.
Chuck
As the wife of a U.S. Air Force Veteran, it is so very moving to read about gentlemen, and women, who have served our country without regrets or complaints. It seems to me that Colonel Robert Howard was truly one of a kind, being that he was nominated and awarded several honors. What an inspiration to those who will and have served in the United States Military.
And my goodness, he was wounded FOURTEEN different times over only 54 months of combat – true dedication to his country and fellow men. What seems to sadden my heart is how our veterans are treated now days in America. We all should take more time to thank and appreciate the men and women who fight for our freedom! This world would be so much better off if we had more individuals like the late Colonel Robert Howard!
Colonel Howard was definitely a great man.