Col. Robert L. Howard, American Hero

On 23 December, Retired Army Col. Robert L. Howard, one of America's finest and most highly decorated soldier's, passed away in Waco, Texas, from complications arising from pancreatic cancer. He was 70-years old.

Howard began his Army career as an enlisted man and later served in the 82nd Airborne, Rangers and Special Forces, including the elite and ultra-secretive MACVSOG. Incredibly, during one thirteen-month tour in Vietnam, Howard was recommended for the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for combat valor, three times! One of the recommendations was downgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross and another to the Silver Star, largely due to the classified nature of the missions.

However, Howard would not be denied his Medal of Honor.

It was presented to him by President Richard Nixon during a White House ceremony in 1971.

Howard was a sergeant first class assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group in December 1968 when his unit came under heavy enemy fire while on a mission to rescue a missing U.S. Soldier. Howard was wounded -- unable to walk -- and his own weapon was destroyed by a grenade blast, according to his Medal of Honor citation, but seeing his platoon leader wounded and exposed to fire Howard crawled forward under fire to pull the lieutenant back. While administering first aid to the lieutenant an enemy round hit one of the officer's ammo pouches and detonated several magazines. Howard continued to drag the officer back to the rest of the platoon, which he rallied for an organized defense. He crawled from position to position, rendering first aid  to the wounded and directing fire on the surrounding enemy force that was estimated to include two companies. For more than three hours, according to the citation, his platoon, aided by air support, repulsed enemy attacks until it was possible for helicopters to extract the Soldiers. Howard was the last man to board the aircraft.

Howard appeared briefly in the movie The Green Berets, starring John Wayne. He also took part in a parachute assault for the movie The Longest Day.

His awards and decorations include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valor (three awards), Purple Heart (eight awards), Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (three awards), Air Medal for Valor (two awards), Army Commendation Medal for Valor (three awards), Army Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (four awards), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Overseas Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold, Silver and Bronze Stars, Vietnam Honor Medal (two awards), Vietnamese Wound Medal, Vietnamese Civil Action Medal (two awards), Army Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Valorous Unit Citation, Army Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Korea Samil Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Aircraft Crewman’s Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnamese Ranger Badge, Army Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab.

 

Col. Howard is survived by his children, Denicia Howard of Florida; Melissa Gentsch and husband, Asst. Chief of Police Frank Gentsch of Waco; Rosslyn Howard of California; Robert Howard Jr. and wife, Tori, of California; and his grandchildren, Victoria Batey and husband, Luke, of Denton, Texas, Holley Gentsch of Waco; Trey Howard of California; and Isabella Gentsch of Waco.

 

Col. Howard is the stuff that Special Forces legends are made of, an example that young men seek to emulate today in places like Afghanistan, Yemen, Pakistan and the Philippines. Rest in peace, sir. You've earned it.