1LT Robert L. Howard

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

First Lieutenant (then Sergeant First Class) Robert L. Howard, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, distinguished himself on 30 December 1968 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 two-company force. During the initial engagement, Lieutenant Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion.

Lieutenant Howard saw that his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to enemy fire. Although unable to walk and weaponless, Lieutenant Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. As Lieutenant Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer's equipment, an enemy bullet struck one of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant's belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition.

Lieutenant 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, Lieutenant Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force.

With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fires on the encircling enemy. For three and one-half hours Lieutenant Howard’s small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters.

Lieutenant Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely. Lieutenant Howard's conspicuous gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men and his intrepidity at the risk of his own life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.