Howard, Robert L.
 

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces
Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 30 December 1968
Entered service at: Montgomery, Alabama
Born: 11 July 1939, Opelika, Alabama

Citation:

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.

For more information and photos, visit Col. Howard's web site

COL Howard, you are THE MAN!!

Well done, Sir.

TR

2nd what you said TR. I recently had the honor of speaking with Col. Howard and he truly is "the man".

Should have received the other two as well. The Man indeed.

I had the honor of first meeting Col Howard (Maj then) at Phase One, where he proceeded to "ruck" my ass (and many other young studs) into the ground.

The man is harder than woodpecker lips.

Not trying to "One Up" any one here, but I had the honor of working for the then Captain Bob Howard, CO of Recon Company, (more of a Platoon!), at Command and Control Central, Kontum, RVN.

I will say that I have never worked for anyone, before or since, that I respect as much as him !!! I will put together some of my thoughts and memories, from when I worked WITH him in RVN.

Later
Martin

AM:

While you are at it, tell some Billy Waugh stories.

TR

Ah that Billy... he is also the Man!!!

Jennifer sends

Please do.

I've met him and believe that he's one of the greatest Soldier's in US History.

.

I also met him and second your opinion. Very humble guy as well!

Bob Howard was my Rater and Bill Carpenter was my Sr. Rater for my OER's when I was with SOC-K in 1986-87. I worked for him as DCSO for Special Ops for Combined Forces Army, 8th Army and UN Command. Hell of a guy! Gave me a good OER too!

Bob Howard would have been a general, but he had a thing about pinching some very senior officer's wives on the ass during his last tour in Korea...

God bless you sir!... those leg's wives loved every damned minute of it!

De Oppresso Liber

Every now and then I come here or go to the tribute site for a refresher. These were giants among men.

Me too.

Reading these sections makes me feel good.

FrontSight