Robert L. Howard: A Medal of Honor Story of Unyielding Courage

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Robert L. Howard: A life defined by courage and sacrifice

Robert Lewis Howard (July 11, 1939 – December 23, 2009) served as an officer in the U.S. Army Special Forces and remains one of the most decorated American soldiers of the Vietnam era. Across 54 months of combat he was wounded 14 times and received numerous high honors, including the Medal of Honor, eight Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, and four Bronze Stars. His story is not just a list of awards but an example of leadership under fire and devotion to fellow soldiers.

Setting: a rescue mission in hostile territory

During one operation in Vietnam, then-Staff Sergeant Howard was serving as the platoon sergeant of a joint American-Vietnamese unit sent to find a missing American soldier in enemy-held terrain. After departing the helicopter landing zone, the platoon was ambushed by an estimated two-company enemy force. The assault quickly disorganized the unit and produced heavy casualties.

Actions that defined the Medal of Honor citation

Despite being wounded early in the fight and having his weapon destroyed by a grenade, Howard refused to leave the field. He crawled through intense enemy fire to reach his platoon leader, who had been critically wounded and exposed to enemy fire. After rendering first aid and removing equipment to ease evacuation, Howard was momentarily forced to seek cover when enemy fire triggered the lieutenant’s ammunition. Even then, he renewed his efforts to drag the wounded officer back toward friendly positions.

Under constant fire, Howard rallied his men, moved among positions to tend the wounded and direct defenses, and held the perimeter until rescue helicopters could safely land and evacuate the survivors.

For roughly three and a half hours, Howard’s leadership and personal example kept the small force organized and capable of repelling repeated enemy attacks. He supervised the loading of his men onto rescue helicopters and did not leave the landing zone until every soldier had been evacuated, despite continuing danger.

Key elements of Howard’s conduct
  • Unwavering leadership: reestablished unit cohesion under assault.
  • Personal bravery: crawled through heavy fire while wounded and unarmed.
  • Care for comrades: administered first aid and ensured all were evacuated.
  • Persistence: held a defensive perimeter for hours until rescue arrived.
Decorations and recognition

Howard’s combat record earned some of the Army’s highest decorations. Highlights include:

  • Medal of Honor – for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity beyond the call of duty.
  • Distinguished Service Cross – recognizing extraordinary heroism.
  • Silver Star and four Bronze Stars – for gallantry and meritorious service in combat.
  • Eight Purple Hearts – reflecting multiple wounds received in action.
Legacy and lessons

Robert L. Howard’s story illustrates several enduring lessons about leadership in combat and crisis:

  • Leadership is action: effective command often means exposing oneself to the same risks as subordinates.
  • Courage is contagious: one person’s resolve can restore a disorganized unit and turn the tide of an engagement.
  • Duty to others: prioritizing the welfare of comrades is a hallmark of military ethics.

Beyond medals and ranks, Howard’s legacy lives in the example he set for Soldiers and civilians alike. His willingness to stay with his men until every evacuee was aboard the last helicopter remains a powerful symbol of commitment and sacrifice.

Remembering Howard

Howard passed away in 2009, but his life continues to be studied in military leadership courses and commemorated by veterans and historians. His actions during that pivotal rescue mission serve as a case study in courage under fire and the difference one determined leader can make in the most desperate circumstances.

For readers looking to learn more, Howard’s military career, interviews, and official citations are available through public military archives and veteran organizations. His story is an important part of American military history and a reminder of the human cost of combat and the extraordinary capacity for bravery it can inspire.

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