Most Heavily Decorated Soldier

[StoleIt]

http://www.theveteranssite.com/clickToGive/vet/article/Most-Heavily-Decorated-Soldier817&origin=VET_FACE_BLOG_VEtVid_DecoratedHeavy_CTG

Wow, worth the watch.

a highly decorated United States Army soldier and Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. He was wounded 14 times over 54 months of combat, was awarded 8 Purple Hearts, 4 Bronze Stars, and was nominated for the Medal of Honor three separate times.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_L._Howard

AMERICAN BAD ASS

Edited April 10, 2011 by stoleit2x

[Timbonez]

Here is his MoH citation:

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

FIRST LIEUTENANT

ROBERT L. HOWARD

UNITED STATES ARMY

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then Sfc .), distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam. The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. 1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer's equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant's belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition. 1st Lt. 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, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Howard 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 1st Lt. Howard's small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely. 1st Lt. Howard's gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

[DirkDiggler]

Great section about him and his exploits in the book SOG: The Secret Wars of America's Commandos in Vietnam by John L. Plaster. Its an excellent book overall, the section about Howard reads like something out of a Hollywood movie. Howard was nominated for the MoH 3 times inside of 13 months, the says that most of the men who served with him felt he deserved all three. Pretty humbling stuff.

[Majestik Møøse]

Reading about guys like this is why I feel undeserving and slightly embarrassed when people thank me for my service.

[ClearedHot]

Reading about guys like this is why I feel undeserving and slightly embarrassed when people thank me for my service.

"Two"

[Guest dropkick_9]

There exist some amazing men who function best in the heat of battle. Most never know what they are capable until faced with adversity. Was honored to escort a couple of MOH winners from vietnam through the AOR, humbling experience.