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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, Ala. Born: 11 July 1939, Opelika, Ala.
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. |
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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.
Videos
A Hero
Among Heroes - Col. Robert "Bob" Howard Sr.
Courage Under Fire - Col. Robert L.
Howard - Medal of Honor
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