MOH Winner, Most-Decorated Soldier Passes
Medal of Honor winner Col. Robert L. Howard passed away yesterday in Waco, Texas. Prior to his death, historians believed Howard was the most highly-decorated then-living American soldier. He was part of the Army Special Forces and ran cross-border operations in Laos, Cambodia and North Vietnam. He was wounded 14 times in Vietnam and was awarded eight Purple Hearts.
He was nominated three separate times for the Medal of Honor, finally receiving the nation’s highest award in 1971. President Richard M. Nixon presented him with the honor for his bravery in Vietnam during a mission to rescue a missing soldier in enemy territory.
In addition to the MOH, Col. Howard held the following major decorations: Distinguished Service Cross (with one oak leaf cluster); Silver Star; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit (with three oak leaf clusters); Bronze Star (with three oak leaf clusters and “V” device); Purple Heart (multiple with a silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters); Meritorious Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters); Air Medal (with “V” Device and numeral 3. One award for heroism and two for aerial achievement); Joint Service Commendation; Army Commendation Medal (with “V” device and one each silver and bronze oak leaf clusters. 4 awards for valor and 3 for achievement); Presidential Unit Citation (for Studies and Observations Group–SOG).
Howard also held many other U.S. service medals and Foreign Decorations, including the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with Gold, Silver, and Bronze citations).
After retiring from the Army, Col. Howard spent much of his free time working with veterans. He also took periodic trips to Iraq to visit active duty troops. Howard died of pancreatic cancer at a hospice in Waco, Texas on December 23, 2009.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Col. Howard and to read his Medal of Honor citation. As a staff sergeant of the highly-classified Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), Howard was recommended for the Medal of Honor on three separate occasions during thirteen months spanning 1967–1968. The first two nominations were downgraded to the award of the Distinguished Service Cross due to the covert nature of the operations in which Howard participated.
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Tags: Army, Medal Honor, Robert Howard
This is a true loss of a warrior of the first magnitude. It was my privilege to work with then Maj. Bob Howard at the JFK Center and School from 1981-1984. The numerous decoratations (1 MOH and 3 MOH nominations) are unheard of and just an indicator of the type of warrior he was. He was the epitome of a true warrior. The decorations tell only a small part of the tales. So does the Red Chinese General Officers’ belt buckle that he had framed on his wall. It was not given to him; he took it.
May he rest in peace.
Herman Harke (BountyHunter)
Maj (Ret) Special Forces
The country has lost another true hero and soldiers’ soldier with the passing of Col.Howard. I would ask everyone to please say a prayer for the Col. and all the brave people in the service today. Col. Howard was very active with various veterans groups showing his support whenever he could.He will be missed. R.I.P. Col. Howard
SFC Sampsel
I hope you will understand when I say no one can “win” a Medal of Honor. These men are awarded the Medal because of Love. Many men are brave and courageous. Many men do things in combat that seem foolish. These actions by these men are not of courage nor fear, but love for the men they serve and lead. Ask any of them if they felt they won something.
The rider on a pale horse comes and goes where he will. Yesterday he came to visit a man who will be missed. We stand at 91
Medal of Honor Host City on facebook
I read that Colonel Howard had passed on to his creator just two days before Christmas this year. Today, while we celebrate the holiday proclaiming the birth of Jesus, also honor Colonel Robert L. Howard’s life and service to his country. Warriors like him and many others like him have made it possible for all of us to enjoy the freedom and liberties to which we have become so accustomed to. May God eternally bless the life and soul of Colonel Howard. May you rest in peace. Richard S. Fultz, US Army Viet Nam (Ret).
I am grieved to hear of the passing of such a great american. Our country these days can ill afford to lose such gallant and brave men. As a retired Navy submariner just a few months younger than he I can only amagine the experiences he had. Thank you sir, all of american will miss you.
Harry Marsh RM1(SS) USN Ret.