FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Robert L Howard ~ 22 August 2022

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[Kathy in Alaska]

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~ Hall of Heroes ~

Robert L. Howard
All info from this website.

           

Robert L. Howard (July 11, 1939, Opelika, Alabama – December 23, 2009, Waco, Texas) was a highly decorated officer of the United States Army and Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War.

 Biography

He entered the Army at Montgomery, Alabama and retired as Colonel.

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 for three individual actions 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. As a Sergeant First Class of the same organization, he 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 was finally awarded the Medal of Honor.

It is believed by some historians that Howard is the most highly- decorated American soldier in history. 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.

Howard died of pancreatic cancer at a hospice in Waco, Texas on December 23, 2009.

 The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to
FIRST LIEUTENANT

ROBERT L. HOWARD
UNITED STATES ARMY

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

    For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then SFC), distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam. The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. 1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer's equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant's belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition. 1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area. Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy. For 3 1/2 hours 1st Lt. Howard's small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely. 1st Lt. Howard's gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission!

[PROCON]

Hi Kathy and thanks for honoring tonight’s Hero!

[DuncanWaring]

A write-up on Lt. Howard (at the time) from a guy who served with him.

http://www.vietvet.org/noise.htm

If you read the whole thing it’ll likely curdle the marrow of your bones.

[DuncanWaring]

Perhaps better phrased as “Lt. (at the time) Howard”.

[SkyDancer]

Hai Kathy! (((HUGS))) had to run down to SanFran to rescue some folks. LOL

[radu]

Greetings to all at the Canteen!

To all our military men and women, past and present,

THANK YOU
for your service!

[left that other site]

Hi Everybody!

(((HUGS)))

[Kathy in Alaska]

~ Hall of Heroes: Robert L Howard ~

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[Allegra]

Good evening and thank you for putting up this lovely thread.

Many thanks to Colonel Howard and may he be resting in Heavenly peace.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Pro...and he was surely that: a HERO!

[The Mayor]

Our Daily Bread

Monday,
August 22, 2022

Transmitting Truth

Read: Deuteronomy 4:9–14

Teach [God’s ways and instructions] to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9

Without the ability to see their grandchildren in person due to risk of infection, many grandparents sought new ways of connecting during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey showed that many grandparents adopted texting and social media as a means to maintain their precious bond with their grandchildren. Some even worshiped with their extended families by video call.

One of the most wonderful ways parents and grandparents can influence their children is by passing down the truths of Scripture. In Deuteronomy 4, Moses charged God’s people to “not forget the things” they’d seen about God “or let them fade from [their] heart[s]” (v. 9). He went on to say that sharing these things with their children and their children’s children would enable them to learn to “revere” Him (v. 10) and to live according to His truth in the land He was giving them.

The relationships God gives us with our families and friends are certainly meant to be enjoyed. By God’s design, they’re also intended to be a conduit to convey His wisdom from one generation to another, “training [them] in righteousness” and equipping them for “every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). When we share God’s truth and work in our lives with the next generation—whether by text, call, video, or in-person conversation—we equip them to see and enjoy His work in their own lives. — Kirsten Holmberg

Who has “transmitted” God’s truth to you? With whom can you share His truth—through a text, a note, or an in-person conversation?

Thank You, God, for the legacy of faith You’ve passed on to me. Please help me to lovingly impart that legacy to others.

Bible in a year: Psalms 110–112; 1 Corinthians 5

[Kathy in Alaska]

WOW! That is quite the read about Lt Howard, and the men around him. Thank you!!

I did read the whole thing..."The unthinkable was done". RIP!

Heroes for sure!!

[radu]

Howdy, Kathy.

Reading about our different heroes each week takes one’s breath away. Reading about 1st Lt. Howard this evening is no exception.

I hope you managed to find some “you” time today.

[Jet Jaguar]

Thanks Ma!

Another amazing story of a serious bad-assed soldier.

My salute to him.

[radu]

Howdy, Allegra.

Have you been lucky enough to get some of the rain rolling across TX this weekend?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Janey...((HUGS))...did you rescue them back home? Or are you still in San Fran on the rescue?

[SkyDancer]

Hai! Just got home a bit ago, nice flight.

[radu]

Howdy, PRO!

How are things up your way, other than hot? Any cool-down in sight yet?
We’ve been fortunate so far and have had a cooler August than we’ve had in a while. And do we appreciate it!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hello Veterans, wherever you are!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, radu...any stormy weather? Thunder? Lightning? Rain?

Sprinkles off and on most of today so far.