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Robert L. Howard’s name is etched in the annals of American military history, not just for his extraordinary bravery but for the sheer resilience and dedication he demonstrated throughout his career. Known as the most decorated soldier of the Vietnam War, Howard’s story is one of unmatched valor, fortitude, and a relentless commitment to his fellow soldiers. Over his 54-month tour in Vietnam, Howard endured 14 injuries, accumulating a staggering array of military honors that testify to his heroism on the battlefield.
Born in Opelika, Alabama, in 1939, Howard enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1956 at the age of 17. Initially serving with the 101st Airborne Division, he soon found himself in the thick of the Vietnam conflict. After a few tours, Howard attended Special Forces training and returned to Vietnam in 1967 as a sergeant first class with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). This marked the beginning of a period that would see him become the most highly decorated Green Beret of the Vietnam era.
Howard’s courage under fire was unmatched, earning him numerous awards, including eight Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and four Bronze Stars. However, it was his nomination for the Medal of Honor that truly highlighted the exceptional nature of his service. Unusually, Howard was recommended for the Medal of Honor three times, though he was only awarded it once—a rare feat in military history.
One of Howard’s most notable acts of heroism occurred on November 27, 1967, while serving as an advisor to a reconnaissance patrol near the Laotian border. The patrol unexpectedly encountered a heavily fortified enemy bunker complex, and a fierce firefight broke out. Despite being pinned down by intense machine gun fire, Howard managed to lob a grenade into one of the bunkers, taking out the enemy inside. He then grabbed an anti-tank weapon, stood amid a hail of bullets, and obliterated the enemy position, allowing his team to be extracted by a rescue helicopter. For this act of bravery, he was nominated for the Medal of Honor, though he was ultimately awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
In November 1968, Howard was part of a mission in Laos with a Hatchet Platoon from FOB-2 when the unit was ambushed by enemy forces, including a Soviet-made PT-76 amphibious tank. With the situation growing increasingly dire, Howard used an anti-tank rocket to destroy the tank, despite heavy enemy fire. Later, when a Medevac helicopter was shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire, Howard braved 300 yards of enemy fire to rescue the two pilots and a wounded door gunner, suffering additional wounds in the process. The next day, Howard led an assault on the enemy’s anti-aircraft gun, facilitating the platoon’s evacuation. Although his actions earned him another Medal of Honor nomination, he was instead awarded the Silver Star.
Howard’s third and final nomination for the Medal of Honor came after an intense operation in December 1968. He was part of a rescue team sent to retrieve Sgt. Robert F. Scherdin, who had been severely wounded and left behind after a brutal enemy attack. While en route to the rescue, Howard and his team encountered a remotely detonated mine, which injured him and his commander, Lt. James Jerson. Despite his injuries, Howard moved through enemy fire to drag Jerson to safety. After securing the platoon’s extraction, Howard continued to provide first aid and direct fire, even while suffering from severe injuries. His courage during this operation led to the awarding of the Medal of Honor, presented by President Richard Nixon on March 2, 1971.
Howard’s military career spanned 36 years, with 33 of those years spent with airborne status. He retired as a full colonel in 1992 but remained deeply connected to the military community, often visiting troops stationed overseas, including those in Iraq. Howard’s remarkable service record includes seven Army Commendation Medals, three Air Medals, the Defense Superior Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and four Legions of Merit, making him the most decorated soldier since World War II.
Robert L. Howard passed away on December 23, 2009, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled heroism and dedication to his country. His life and service continue to inspire, a testament to the incredible bravery and resilience that defined his time in the U.S. Army.
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