Despite the Jane Fondas et al and their trashing of the military,, men like this continue to serve and make their great but largely unknown contributions for our freedoms. RIP Col. Howard
Passing of Bob Howard - Medal of Honor - Most Heavily Decorated Veteran of the Modern Era
Bill Smith, Editor: Having been traveling and preparing for Christmas, I delayed posting about a great American "mustang" who reported for duty with his former comrades. A "mustang" is an enlisted person who goes on to be commissioned an officer. As a staff sergeant, Robert "Bob" Howard served his country in the jungles of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Howard was a Green Beret, Special Forces. His heroic efforts in three individual actions during thirteen months spanning 1967–1968 resulted in his being nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor. However, since the government had used him and other in places and situations being kept secret from those back home, the initial two nominations were downgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross.
Robert Howard as a Sergeant First Class risked his life during a rescue mission in Cambodia on December 30, 1968, while second in command of a platoon-sized Hornet force that was searching for missing American soldier Robert Scherdin, and he was finally awarded the Medal of Honor. He served five tours of duty in Vietnam and was wounded 14 times during one 54-month period during the Vietnam Conflict. He received two Masters degrees during his government career which spanned almost 50 years. Howard retired as a full Colonel in 2006.
According to NBC News, "Howard may be the most highly-decorated American soldier since World War II. His residence was in Texas and he spent much of his free time working with veterans at the time of his death. He also took periodic trips to Iraq to visit active duty troops."
Colonel Robert Howard was awarded many honors for his heroic service, including the Medal of Honor, eight Purple Hearts, four Bronze Stars with Valor, and two Distinguished Service Crosses. Other medals and ribbons and devices were: Defense Superior Service Medal, four Legion of Merits, three Meritorious Service Medals, four Air Medals (one for heroism), Joint Service Commendation, seven Army Commendation Medal(4 for valor), Joint Service Achievement, Army Achievement, Good Conduct Medal with four Good Conduct Loops, National Defense Service Medal, three Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, Vietnam Service Medal 3 service stars, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, three NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, two Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Navy Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation with Palm, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star, Silver Star (Division and Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, Republic of Vietnam Wound Medal, Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Korea Order of National Security Merit, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Aircrew Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge, Vietnamese Ranger Badge, Vietnamese Master Parachute Badge, Thai Master Parachute Wings, Korean Master Parachute Badge, Thai Balloonist Badge, French Parachutist Badge. [Source]
Howard died in Waco, Texas on December 23, 2009. He was survived by three children and four grandchildren.
In any other time or era, Bob Howard would have been the recognized hero of the times. As potentially the most decorated hero since WWII, Bob earned his place in history through sacrifice and risking his life for others. It was the anti-war sentiment of the 60's and 70's that blamed the military and not their government for the American involvement in Vietnam. It was a disgraceful period of time in American history when traitors like Jane Fonda, draft dodgers like Bill Clinton and self aggrandizement seekers like John Kerry would get more credit and fame than those who served their country with honor when called for by their country. Thank you Col. Bob Howard for your service. I pray you have now found a peaceful rest.
