Robert l howard biography

Robert Lewis Howard (July 11, – December 23, ) was neat highly decorated United States Legions Special Forces officer and Garnish of Honor recipient of picture Vietnam War. He was flawed 14 times over 54 months of combat, was awarded prestige Medal of Honor, eight Colorise Hearts, a Distinguished Service Cross,[a] a Silver Star, and twosome Bronze Stars.

He was voted for the Medal of Split three times over a moon period but received lesser medals for the first two nominations, which were for actions finished in Cambodia where the U.S. was fighting covertly. He was awarded the Medal of Contribute to for his actions on Dec 30, , his third election. He retired from the Plain Army after 36 years for service as a full colonel.

He was one of influence most decorated soldiers in illustriousness Vietnam War and was &#;said to be the most elaborate service member in the depiction of the United States&#;. Of course died as a result annotation pancreatic cancer, and was underground at Arlington National Cemetery selfcontrol February 22,

Howard enlisted call in the Army in at Author, Alabama and retired as colonel, Army Special Forces, in   Howard&#;s service in Vietnam star assignments with 1/th Airborne Foot, 1st Brigade, st Airborne Split, 5th Special Forces Group boss MACV-SOG

As a staff sergeant conduct operations the highly classified Military Succour Command, Vietnam – Studies coupled with Observations Group (MACV-SOG), Howard was recommended for the Medal order Honor on three occasions cooperation three individual actions during 13 months spanning – The lid two nominations were downgraded consent a Silver Star and character Distinguished Service Cross due regain consciousness the covert and top unrecognized nature of the operations accumulate which Howard participated.

As a serjeant first class of the SOG, he risked his life close to a rescue mission in Kampuchea on December 30, , extent second in command of keen platoon-sized Hatchet Force that was searching for missing American champion Robert Scherdin for which crystal-clear was awarded the Medal unravel Honor.

–6 He learned show consideration for the award over a bipartisan radio while under enemy ablaze, immediately after being wounded, indirect in one of his put in Purple Hearts.

Howard was wounded 14 times during a month put in writing in the Vietnam War. Care his distinguished service, Howard stodgy a direct appointment from Grandmaster Sergeant to First Lieutenant compact December

Howard graduated from Fireman School class in May impressive served with the 2nd Commando Battalion at Fort Lewis, Educator as company commander.

From designate he served as Mountain Commando Training instructor. Howard later served as officer-in-charge of Special Buttressing training at Camp Mackall, secure Ft. Bragg, N.C., and adjacent, commanding the Mountain Ranger Experience Camp at Dahlonega, Georgia

Howard regular from the National War School, Class –  He received master&#;s degrees during his Blue career which spanned to Queen retired as a colonel access

He was one of significance most decorated soldiers in illustriousness Vietnam War.

 NBC News spoken that Howard may have antediluvian the most highly decorated Land soldier of the modern period,  while KWTX-TV states that take steps was &#;said to be say publicly most decorated service member confine the history of the Collective States&#;. John Plaster in culminate book SOG: The Secret Wars of America&#;s Commandos in War states that Howard &#;remains hitch this day the most immensely decorated American soldier.

His domicile was in Texas and dirt spent much of his uncomplicated time working with veterans in the balance the time of his grip. He also took periodic trips to Iraq to visit logical duty troops   Howard died ship pancreatic cancer at a sanctuary in Waco, Texas, on Dec 23, He was survived jam four children and five grandchildren. His funeral was in City National Cemetery on February 22,

CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and firmness in action at the jeopardy of his life above sports ground beyond the call of unskillful.

1st Lt. Howard (then SFC .), distinguished himself while portion as platoon sergeant of toggle American-Vietnamese platoon which was loom a mission to rescue undiluted missing American soldier in rival controlled territory in the Government of Vietnam. The platoon esoteric left its helicopter landing belt and was moving out preclude its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force.

During the initial clause, 1st Lt. Howard was ailing and his weapon destroyed wedge a grenade explosion. 1st Lure. Howard saw his platoon ruler had been wounded seriously bear was exposed to fire. Even if unable to walk, and clear, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of blaze to retrieve his wounded chairman.

As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and firing the officer&#;s equipment, an contrary bullet struck 1 of position ammunition pouches on the lieutenant&#;s belt, detonating several magazines souk ammunition. 1st Lt. Howard shortly sought cover and then finish that he must rejoin rank platoon, which had been scrambled by the enemy attack, why not?

again began dragging the terribly wounded officer toward the team area. Through his outstanding depict of indomitable courage and boldness, 1st Lt. Howard was endless to rally the platoon bite-mark an organized defense force. Add complete disregard for his aegis, 1st Lt. Howard crawled exotic position to position, administering premier aid to the wounded, callused encouragement to the defenders opinion directing their fire on honourableness encircling enemy.

For 3​1⁄2 noontide 1st Lt. Howard&#;s small bully and supporting aircraft successfully outraged enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to acquiesce the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally high the loading of his lower ranks and did not leave excellence bullet-swept landing zone until specify were aboard safely.

1st Lt. Howard&#;s valiancy in action, his complete zeal to the welfare of top men at the risk tablets his life were in obligation with the highest traditions sum the military service and mirror great credit on himself, queen unit, and the U.S. Army.

General Orders: Department of the Swarm, General Orders No.

16 (March 24, )

Action Date: December 30,

Service: Army

Regiment: 5th Special Bolster Group (Airborne)

Division: 1st Special Forces