Robert L. Howard
The Real Rambo
One of the most legendary warriors in American military history is this week’s hero Robert L. Howard. Howard was awarded the Medal of Honor on his third nomination and it joined his eight Purple Hearts, four Bronze Stars–his first two MOH packets were downgraded to a Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross. Howard spent 54 months in combat in Vietnam and during the engagement that led to his MOH, he ran out of ammunition–so he called in a bombing strike on his own position.
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 31⁄2
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.
"Hero" is absolutely correct..... although I doubt Lt. Howard would ever see it as such! (Just doing what a solider does... Fighting for the men on either side of him)
ReplyDeleteI salute him, and raise my glass in his honor, and toast his selfless devotion to his men!!
A man among men. I am humbled, just thinking of shaking his hand.
DeleteEight purple hearts, four bronze stars and three Medal of Honor nominations.... i am at a loss for words.
ReplyDelete& 4 1/2 years in combat.
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