The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
HOWARD, JIMMIE E.
Rank and organization: Gunnery Sergeant
(then S/Sgt.) U.S. Marine Corps, Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine
Division. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 16 June 1966. Entered service
at: Burlington, lowa. Born: 27 July 1929, Burlington, lowa.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the
call of duty. G/Sgt. Howard and his 18-man platoon were occupying an observation post deep
within enemy-controlled territory. Shortly after midnight a Viet Cong force of estimated
battalion size approached the marines' position and launched a vicious attack with small
arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. Reacting swiftly and fearlessly in the face of
the overwhelming odds, G/Sgt. Howard skillfully organized his small but determined force
into a tight perimeter defense and calmly moved from position to position to direct his
men's fire. Throughout the night, during assault after assault, his courageous example and
firm leadership inspired and motivated his men to withstand the unrelenting fury of the
hostile fire in the seemingly hopeless situation. He constantly shouted encouragement to
his men and exhibited imagination and resourcefulness in directing their return fire. When
fragments of an exploding enemy grenade wounded him severely and prevented him from moving
his legs, he distributed his ammunition to the remaining members of his platoon and
proceeded to maintain radio communications and direct air strikes on the enemy with
uncanny accuracy. At dawn, despite the fact that 5 men were killed and all but 1 wounded,
his beleaguered platoon was still in command of its position. When evacuation helicopters
approached his position, G/Sgt. Howard warned them away and called for additional air
strikes and directed devastating small-arms fire and air strikes against enemy automatic
weapons positions in order to make the landing zone as secure as possible. Through his
extraordinary courage and resolute fighting spirit, G/Sgt. Howard was largely responsible
for preventing the loss of his entire platoon. His valiant leadership and courageous
fighting spirit served to inspire the men of his platoon to heroic endeavor in the face of
overwhelming odds, and reflect the highest credit upon G/Sgt. Howard, the Marine Corps,
and the U.S. Naval Service.
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