Robert Lewis Howard

U.S. Army Special Forces
Medal Of Honor, Vietnam

Portrait from the John F. Kennedy Hall, Fort Bragg, North Carolina

First Lieutenant Howard's platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated two-company force. Lieutenant Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion and his platoon leader had also been wounded and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, Lieutenant Howard crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. While administering first aid and removing the officer's equipment, an enemy bullet struck one of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant's belt, detonating several magazines. Lieutenant 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, he was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. He 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 his small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks.

Robert Howard was nominated three times for the Medal of Honor, his first nomination being downgraded to the DSC. His second and third nominations wee simultaneous for two separate actions and the Medal of Honor was awarded for the first of them, the other was downgraded to the Silver Star. Wounded 14 times in 54 months of combat duty in Vietnam, Howard was awarded 8 Purple Hearts and is believed to be the most decorated living American.

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