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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Robert L. Howard.
Congressional Medal of Honor
Episode 2882 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army COL Robert L. Howard and his Distinguished Service Cross award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.
Colonel Robert L. Howard was one of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. military history. Born on July 11, 1939, in Alabama, Howard joined the U.S. Army in 1956, eventually serving five tours in Vietnam as part of the elite Special Forces. His actions during the Vietnam War earned him a place among the bravest soldiers of his generation.
In December 1968, while on a covert mission deep within enemy territory, then-Sergeant First Class Howard’s unit was ambushed by a much larger force. Despite severe injuries from a grenade blast, Howard took charge of the remaining soldiers. Under relentless enemy fire, he carried wounded comrades to safety, organized a defense, and called in air support to hold off the attackers. His courage and leadership saved many lives, and he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions that day.
Howard’s bravery was so extraordinary that he was nominated three times for the Medal of Honor. He received the Medal of Honor in 1971 for separate heroic actions in a different battle. Over his career, Howard was awarded eight Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, and four Bronze Stars, among numerous other decorations.
After retiring in 1992, Howard continued to serve his country by working with veterans and speaking on military service. He died in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary valor, resilience, and dedication to his fellow soldiers. Howard remains an inspiration to future generations of soldiers and a symbol of the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War.
Listen to Episode 2882 and discover more about Army COL Robert L. Howard. and his Distinguished Service Cross award.
