The American Cold War Veterans are saddened to hear of the passing of another American
Hero.
Col. Robert L. Howard passed away on Dec 23, 2009 in Waco, Texas.
Col. Howard had enlisted in the US Army in 1956, he retired in 1992; according to some
historians he was the most highly decorated veteran in history.
As a Staff Sergeant of a highly secret organization he was nominated for a Medal of Honor on three separate occasions during a thirteen month span 1967-1968.
During a rescue operation in Cambodia Sergeant First Class Howard, although wounded himself, went to the rescue of the platoon commander. An enemy bullet stuck one of
his ammunition pouches causing further injuries. Sergeant Howard continued to give
first aid to his wounded platoon members.
He rallied the men and with air support they defeated a 2 company size enemy force.
In 1969 he received a direct appointment to 1st Lieutenant.
Among he awards and decorations are:
Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross (with one oak leaf cluster) (2 awards)
Silver Star
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (with three oak leaf clusters) (4 awards)
Bronze Star (with three oak leaf clusters and "V" device) (4 awards)
Purple Heart (with a silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters) (8 awards)
Meritorious Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters) (3 awards)
Air Medal (with "V" Device and numeral 3. One award for heroism and two for aerial achievement)
Joint Service Commendation
Army Commendation Medal (with "V" device and one each silver and bronze oak leaf clusters. 4 awards for valor and 3 for achievement)
Joint Service Achievement
Army Achievement
* Good Conduct Medal with four Good Conduct Loops (4 awards)
* National Defense Service Medal
* Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with three service stars (3 awards)
* Vietnam Service Medal with 3 service stars (3 campaigns)
* Armed Forces Reserve Medal
* NCO Professional Development Ribbon with 2 device
* Army Service Ribbon
* Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Unit citations
* Army Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon Presidential Unit Citation (Army) with oak leaf cluster (2 awards)
* Army Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army)
* Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon Navy Unit Commendation
* Vietnam gallantry cross unit award-3d.svg Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm (Unit citation)
* Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation with Palm (Unit citation)
Foreign decorations
* Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star (Corps citation), Silver Star (Division citation) and Bronze Star (Regiment/Brigade citation)
* Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, 1st Class
* Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, 1st Class
* Republic of Vietnam Wound Medal
* Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal, 2nd Class
* Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 bar
* Republic of Korea Order of National Security Merit (Sam-Il Medal)
Badges, qualifications and tabs
* Ranger Tab
* Special Forces Tab
* Combat Infantryman Badge
* Expert Infantryman's Badge
* Aircrew Badge
* Master Parachutist Badge
* Pathfinder Badge
* Air Assault Badge
* Expert Marksmanship Badge
* Vietnamese Ranger Badge
* Vietnamese Master Parachute Badge
* Thai Master Parachute Wings
* Korean Master Parachute Badge
* Thai Balloonist Badge
* French Parachutist Badge
Our nation must never forget the brave men and women who fought and died to preserve
our freedom and the American Way. Without their willing sacrifice we would not be
the great country we have become.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
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