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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine 1SG Jimmie E. Howard.
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2880 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Marine 1SG Jimmie E. Howard and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. Information featured in this episode comes from a story that appeared on the Home of Heroes website and was titled: Jimmie E. Howard. The story was submitted by Jim Fausone, a partner with Legal Help For Veterans, PLLC.
Marine 1st Sergeant Jimmie E. Howard, a Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient, led a legendary act of heroism during the Vietnam War. On the night of June 15, 1966, Howard’s 18-man reconnaissance patrol, codenamed Operation Utah, found themselves on Hill 488, deep in enemy territory. Tasked with observing enemy movements, the patrol came under heavy assault from a battalion of over 200 North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldiers.
Outnumbered and outgunned, Howard displayed extraordinary leadership. Despite being wounded multiple times, he refused medical treatment and coordinated the defense of his men. His calm demeanor under fire inspired the Marines to hold their ground, repelling wave after wave of enemy attacks through the night. Howard personally moved from position to position, directing fire and encouraging his men to keep fighting.
When ammunition ran low and the enemy pressed closer, Howard ordered his men to fix bayonets and prepare for hand-to-hand combat. At dawn, after hours of relentless fighting, air support finally arrived, breaking the NVA assault and forcing the enemy to retreat. Out of the 18 Marines, six were killed, and every survivor was wounded, yet their courage and determination prevented the annihilation of the patrol.
For his leadership, bravery, and refusal to surrender, Jimmie E. Howard was awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions on Hill 488 became a symbol of the Marine Corps’ fighting spirit.
Listen to Episode 2880 and discover more about Marine 1SG Jimmie E. Howard. and his Congressional Medal of Honor award.
