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Rank and organization: Gunnery Sergeant (then
S/Sgt.) U.S. Marine Corps, Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion,
1st Marine Division. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 16 June
1966. Entered service at: Burlington, Iowa. Born: 27 July 1929,
Burlington, Iowa.
Citation... For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of
duty. G/Sgt. Howard and his 18-man platoon were occupying an
observation post deep within enemy-controlled territory. Shortly
after midnight a Viet Cong force of estimated battalion size
approached the marines' position and launched a vicious attack with
small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. |
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Reacting swiftly and fearlessly in the face of
the overwhelming odds, G/Sgt. Howard skillfully organized his
small but determined force into a tight perimeter defense and
calmly moved from position to position to direct his men's fire. Throughout the night, during assault after assault, his courageous example and firm leadership inspired and motivated his men to withstand the unrelenting fury of the hostile fire in the seemingly hopeless situation. He constantly shouted encouragement to his men and exhibited imagination and resourcefulness in directing their return fire. When fragments of an exploding enemy grenade wounded him severely and prevented him from moving his legs, he distributed his ammunition to the remaining members of his platoon and proceeded to maintain radio communications and direct air strikes on the enemy with uncanny accuracy. At dawn, despite the fact that 5 men were killed and all but 1 wounded, his beleaguered platoon was still in command of its position. When evacuation helicopters approached his position, G/Sgt. Howard warned them away and called for additional air strikes and directed devastating small-arms fire and air strikes against enemy automatic weapons positions in order to make the landing zone as secure as possible. Through his extraordinary courage and resolute fighting spirit, G/Sgt. Howard was largely responsible for preventing the loss of his entire platoon. His valiant leadership and courageous fighting spirit served to inspire the men of his platoon to heroic endeavor in the face of overwhelming odds, and reflect the highest credit upon G/Sgt. Howard, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service. | |
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