The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: twyacht on December 23, 2009, 06:10:41 PM
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Nominated THREE times for the Medal Of Honor, 8 Purple Hearts, Distinguished Service Cross, Career Military Green Beret, Special Forces. Once referred to as the "Toughest Soldier".
His Record surpasses any other American Soldier.
He passed away. May he Rest In Peace, Duty Done.
http://rlhtribute.com/
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.
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/US-Flag-capitol-half-staff-737281.jpg)
These Americans are truly amazing, and I am always inspired by their tales of valor, honor, bravery, and duty.
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These Americans are truly amazing, and I am always inspired by their tales of valor, honor, bravery, and duty.
+1 with a lot of 0's behind it.
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A real hero..... Its such a sad commentary on our culture that I had never heard of this guy before today.
R.I.P.
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A real hero..... Its such a sad commentary on our culture that I had never heard of this guy before today.
R.I.P.
Yep.
When I was in High School, we studied things like this in the Military History section of Civics classes. You ask a HS kid about Civics today and you get a blank stare along with "what's a civics? Isn't it made by Honda?"
Shameful, I tell ya....plumb shameful.
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Met some MOH recipients while on active duty in Hawaii. In 1995 we done a ceremony for the End of War in the Pacific. Got to meet Bob Hope also, and I will not mention his name the President at that time.
My best friend was hurt at the time. He was made to do a detail seating VIPs. One was in a wheel chair (MOH recipient). My buddy stood by him during the ceremony and when we were doing our pass and review he stood and saluted. This chokes me up guys. A secret service came over and told him the President wanted to meet him and he stated " after my boys pass first then I will meet him".
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from bulldog,
A secret service came over and told him the President wanted to meet him and he stated " after my boys pass first then I will meet him".
As I posted, they are all a truly amazing ever shrinking group of men. Attributes only achieved by a chosen few. Actions that will not be forgotten, and probably why I have just posted the passing of those that go to a greater glory.
We here at DRTV know the character that these men have,... too bad many of our citizenry will never know or care.
Lest We Forget.