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Webmaster
02-24-2010, 13:55
Wow, what an impressive warrior and man.

May Colonel Howard rest in peace, his family find comfort, and the American people rejoice in the life lived in service to our country.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,587338,00.html?test=latestnews


One of Nation's Most Highly Decorated Soldiers Laid to Rest

One of the nation's most highly decorated veterans was being laid to rest on Wednesday.

Ret. Colonel Robert L Howard, a Medal of Honor recipient who was awarded eight Purple Hearts for his service in the Vietnam War, was to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

Howard, who died on Dec. 23, was 70.

Howard was wounded 14 times during 54 months of combat duty — five tours — in Vietnam. He retired from the Army as a full colonel in 2006 after 36 years in the U.S. military — including more than 33 years on airborne status.

He was hailed as one of the nation's most heroic soldiers — and the most highly decorated soldier since World War II.

According to a biographical sketch issued by the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne), Howard also participated in two movies starring John Wayne, making a parachute jump in "The Longest Day" and appearing as an airborne instructor in "The Green Berets."

President Richard Nixon presented the Medal of Honor to him on March 2, 1971.

Another article (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/22/AR2010012204550.html)

Michael Yon's site (http://www.michaelyon-online.com/colr-robert-l.-howard.htm)

US Army Biographical Scetch (http://news.soc.mil/releases/News%20Archive/2009/December/COL%20Howard%20bio.pdf) (PDF File)

Dennis Monk
02-24-2010, 16:20
His awards and decorations include the Medal of Honor; Distinguished Service Cross; Silver Star; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit (three awards); Bronze Star for Valor (three awards); Purple Heart (eight awards); Meritorious Service Medal (two awards); Air Medal for Valor (two awards); Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal for Valor (three awards); Joint Service Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal (four awards); National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Gold, Silver and Bronze Stars; and the Vietnam Wound Medal.
He was also authorized to wear the Army Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Valorous Unit Citation; Army Meritorious Unit Citation; Vietnamese Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm; Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal (two awards); Vietnam Civil Action Medal (two awards); Republic of Korea Order of National Security Merit (Samil Medal); Combat Infantryman’s Badge; Expert Infantryman’s Badge; Army Aircrew Badge; Master Parachutist Badge; Pathfinder Badge; Air Assault Badge; Vietnamese Ranger Badge; Special Forces Tab and Army Ranger Tab.
After retirement from military service in 1992, Colonel Bob Howard was employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. He retired in January 2006 after 52 years of government service.
- DE OPPRESSO LIBER –
Just, WOW!

David Craik
02-24-2010, 20:02
Dang it, you beat me to it! Even though this astounding man passed away last year I only received this the other day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyI42MO0SjY

A very moving clip. Next to the entry for 'warrior' in the dictionary, it should say 'see Robert Howard'. Rest in peace, sir.

Webmaster
02-24-2010, 20:42
Next to the entry for 'warrior' in the dictionary, it should say 'see Robert Howard'.
I sure can agree with that. Does anyone know if he's written about his experiences?