Special Forces Medal of Honor Recipient Passes

USASOC
29 December, 2009 11:24:00

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FORT BRAGG, NC — Retired Army Col. Robert L. Howard, a Medal of Honor recipient and U.S. Army Ranger and Special Forces veteran died at 70 years of age Dec. 23 at his residence in San Antonio, Texas.

Howard, born July 11, 1939 in Opelika, Ala., was known throughout the Army and the military’s special operations community for his courage and leadership in combat. He entered the service on July 20, 1956 and was medically retired on Sept. 30, 1992. He died of natural causes.

Howard received the Medal of Honor for actions in Vietnam Dec. 30, 1968. He was nominated three times for the award in thirteen months; the first was downgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross and the last was downgraded to a Silver Star. All three came while he served as a non-commissioned officer in the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group. 

He received a direct commission from master sergeant to 1st lieutenant in December 1969 and went on to command several units throughout his career.

His military assignments include time with the 82nd and 101ST Airborne Divisions; 2nd Ranger Battalion; 3rd, 5th and 6TH Special Forces Groups; 7th Corps and XVIII Airborne Corps.

Col. Howard at one point participated in two movies concerning airborne and special operations missions, both featuring John Wayne. He made a parachute jump on the filming of The Longest Day and as an airborne instructor in The Green Berets.

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. Robert L. Howard's bio