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View Full Version : COL Robert L. Howard (RET) - MOH


one-zero
11-25-2009, 14:21
Just got the below info today and wanted to pass it on. COL Howard influenced me greatly when coming into SF...as I read the below portion about him "gutting it out" I was not suprised. Whether continuing missions while wounded in Vietnam's jungle or running men 20 years his junior into the Cp Mackall dirt during the Q course, he has always managed to go above and beyond...
1-0
message below/

The immediate past president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Bob Howard has been diagnosed with non-operable pancreatic cancer that has spread to his liver. His life expectancy is limited. He is presently in St. Luke's Baptist Hospital in San Antonio and has begun a very hard chemo therapy regimen. We are unsure of how long he will remain in the hospital. He is very weak has been reluctant to accept phone calls at the present time. We will provide more information as we are able to get it. As an aside, in typical Bob Howard fashion, despite feeling terrible, he joined his fellow recipients in Seattle recently for the University of Washington Medal of Honor Memorial dedication on Veterans Day. He moved slowly and was very weak and unable to eat much...it was obvious that he was "gutting it out." He even took the time, on top of other scheduled events, to speak to several classes at the University of Washington and to a local Rotary luncheon. He just wouldn't say no, regardless of how badly he felt. Please keep Bob in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Followup:
Gentlemen: I contacted the MOH Society in order to obtain a POC for Bob and they have requested that all cards, letters, etc. please be sent in care of the Society and they will make sure he gets them. I attach the Society's message to me. Thanks for putting this out to all. Ray

In order to protect the privacy of the recipients, we do not release contact information. You can send your cards and letters here and we’ll forward them on to COL Howard. The address is:

COL Robert L. Howard
c/o CMOHS
40 Patriots Point Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
I’m sure he’ll be happy to hear from everyone.
Sincerely,
C.C.
CMOHS

The Reaper
11-25-2009, 14:30
Get well soon, Bad Bob!

TR

Trip_Wire (RIP)
11-25-2009, 15:16
Best wishes for the COL and his family!

Team Sergeant
11-25-2009, 18:09
Sad news indeed. (I was one of those guys the COL rucked into the Cp Mackall dirt during the Q course.) I'll send off a card ASAP!

SF_BHT
11-25-2009, 18:57
Col

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Good luck and keep fighting as you have always done......

tst43
11-25-2009, 19:39
What a rare individual and true American hero. If this is indeed a battle between Colonel Howard and the Grim Reaper, my money is on the Colonel. My prediction is that Grim gets butt-stroked with his own scythe and goes back home empty-handed.

Far better men than I have no doubt already expressed their wishes for a full and speedy recovery, but I too hope that Colonel Howard soon adds cancer to his long list of vanquished adversaries.

greenberetTFS
11-25-2009, 20:37
Col

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Good luck and keep fighting as you have always done......

I'm with Bryan,go for it Col..............

Big Teddy

ODA CDR (RET)
12-05-2009, 13:27
inadvertant run ins with a MOH recipient. I was clearing the 82nd for SFQC, MAJ Howard was clearing Mackall and in the CIF line with me. I did one of those double takes, since he's about a foot taller than me. I had read about him while I was in Division and of course when you are in the presence of greatness you, .... well all I could say is "your MAJ Howard!" he said "yes I am!". What a great intro to SF. We spoke the whole time turning in our gear. I wish you well Sir.

Ambush Master
12-05-2009, 14:21
Bob was my CO while I was in Recon Company at CCC (Kontum)!! As a new Capt., he always made it a POINT, that his name was BOB, not Captain, not Sir!!!

He is the BEST person that I have EVER worked for!!!

Good Luck, and the Thoughts and PRAYERS are out for YOU BROTHER!!!

mojaveman
12-05-2009, 16:43
COL Howard had already left Mackall by the time that I got to the "Q" in the summer of '84 but I saw him many mornings at the matta mile after I got to Group.

Sir, I hope you pull through it.

Dusty
12-05-2009, 22:45
He's the salt of the earth; he has more faith and determination than anyone I've ever heard of.

I consider knowing and conversing with Bad Bob Howard my greatest military honor.

colmurph
12-18-2009, 08:07
Col. Howard is now in hospice care. The staff are fully aware of who he is and are taking very good care of him.

Room 3248
Saint Catherine Center
300 W. Highway 6
Waco, TX 76712-397(254) 761-8500

Dozer523
12-18-2009, 12:38
A quick search found this: http://rlhtribute.com/index.htm

KW9598
12-18-2009, 13:26
thanks for letting us know...i passed the word on the SFUWO net. Hadnt heard. a true legend.

Ambush Master
12-18-2009, 13:41
See also: http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26496