NCOs in the American Army: (1945 present) SFC Robert Lewis Howard
Abstract
Robert Lewis Howard entered the Army from Montgomery, Alabama July 20 1956, at the age of 17. He is a native of Opelika, Alabama. Robert Howard grew up hearing stories of his Father's and uncle 's experiences as Paratroopers in the 101 sl Airborne Division, during World War II. These tales instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism and selfless service which led him to join the military. Robert L Howard is one of America' s most highly decorated soldiers. He wears twenty three (23) ribbons on his chest, the top fourteen (14) are as follows; The Army Achievement Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Commendation Medal for Valor (Third Oak Leaf Cluster), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Medal for flight, the Air Medal for Valor (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement, the Bronze Star for Valor (3rd Oak Leaf cluster), the Legion of Merit (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Purple Heart (7th Oak Leaf Cluster), the Silver Star, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Medal of Honor. Robert Howard served five tours in Viet Nam (three with six month extensions) And is the only soldier in our nation's history to be nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor three times for three separate actions within a thirteen-month period. Although it can only be awarded once to an individual, men who served with him said he deserved all three. He received a direct appointment from Master Sergeant to 1st Lieutenant in 1969 and was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard M. Nixon at the White House in 1971 (Robert L. Howard Tribute)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 12, 2005
- Accession Number
- AD1117333
Entities
People
- Ned E. Hall
Organizations
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy