Written by CSM Jeff Mellinger
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24 Feburary 2010
From: Mellinger, Jeffrey J CSM MIL USA
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
Today, at Arlington National Cemetery, we lay to rest COL(R) Robert L. Howard. The link for the interview is at the end of this email.
Read a bit about Howard at one of these links: The Robert L. Howard Tribute Website, The Congressional Medal of Honor Society Website, The Washington Post- Medal of Honor recipient Col. Robert L. Howard dies at 70.
COL(R) Howard was arguably America's most highly decorated Warrior ever, earning more awards for valor (10) than Audie Murphy, but he was surely America’s most highly living warrior until his death. The US Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) Biographical Sketch.
Color image from the Robert L. Howard Tribute website.
Wounded 14 times in 54 months of combat duty in Vietnam, Robert Howard was awarded 8 Purple Hearts and was believed to be the most decorated living American.
Colonel Howard served five tours in Vietnam and is the only soldier in our nation's history to be nominated for the Medal of Honor three times for three separate actions within a thirteen-month period. 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. Colonel Howard is one of America's most decorated soldiers. His other awards for valor include the Distinguished Service Cross - our nation's second highest award, the Silver Star - the third highest award, and eight Purple Hearts. He was the last Vietnam Special Forces Medal of Honor recipient still on active duty when he retired on Sept. 29, 1992.
Interview at the Pritzer Military Library Website.
Please find some time to read, listen and reflect on one of America’s real heroes – Robert L. Howard. He was once my commander, and always my friend. I last saw Bob in Iraq.
Jeff
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
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Comments
Robert Howard was one of the finest warriors this country ever produced.
He was my commander during Phase I of Special Forces selection.
Michael Yon
Thanks for letting us know about this, Michael.
Semper Fidelis
USN A4
May he rest in peace.
Colonel Howard was such a man! If I were a Hollywood Producer, I would make a movie
of his life to inspire others. Rest in peace,warrior Howard. Thank you for your many
sacrifices. Old Marine.
Semper Fidelis
http://tomcox.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/veterans-day-thoughts-while-sitting-on-the-shoulders-of-giants/
'E was all that I 'ad in the way of a friend,
An' I've 'ad to find one new;
But I'd give my pay an' stripe for to get the beggar back,
Which it's just too late to do.
So it's knock out your pipes an' follow me!
An' it's finish off your swipes an' follow me!
Oh, 'ark to the fifes a-crawlin'!
Follow me -- follow me 'ome!
Take 'im away! 'E's gone where the best men go.
Take 'im away! An' the gun-wheels turnin' slow.
Take 'im away! There's more from the place 'e come.
Take 'im away, with the limber an' the drum.
For it's "Three rounds blank" an' follow me,
An' it's "Thirteen rank" an' follow me;
Oh, passin' the love o' women,
Follow me -- follow me 'ome!
Rest in Peace, Dear Warrior.
Thank you
As a Vietnam vet, with honor and pride, I stand at attention and salute you.
22 year, 9 month, 6 day, 16 hour and 49 minute USAF Vet.
He was an inspiration. SF students looked at him and said to themselves, "I want to be like that guy."
Look and mark ye well. We shall not see his like again.
Paul
US Navy Vietnam Jan 1967 - Oct 1968
I read what he did and ask myself , have I served my county.
Not like he did.
I am sure Valhalla is party central.
TAPS
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.
Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.
Rest now Sir, your duty is done. Pass the baton to the next generation you trained so well.
Thank you for your service.
A humbled veteran.
RANGERS LEAD THE WAY
SSGT T. Mochen
Door Gunner
20th SOS/MACV-SOG
Steve
USAF
Semper Fi from an old Marine.
Ranger "Doc" Stults
(class 7/81) for phase one SF training. I was 20 years old and remember him running circles around our formation at
a time when he would have be more than twice my age. (hit it!!)
Perhaps owing to his beginning his carreer as an enlisted man, his carriage was entirely different from most officers I had ever met.
When I ran afoul of the requirements at one point, he listened to my explanation and fairly let me have a chance to redeem myself.
and I still feel the sting of once having "let him down" in my own estimation. though it's been almost 30 years.
Since those days, he has been my personal hero. I had hoped to visit him again one day, but have now missed the chance.
He was a magnificent man and a humble Hero. "I shall not look upon his like again."
We, the men of Special Forces, acknowledge our dependence upon Thee in the preservation of human freedom.
Go with us as we seek to defend the defenseless and to free the enslaved.
May we ever remember that our nation, whose motto is "In God We Trust", expects that we shall acquit ourselves with honor, that we may never bring shame upon our faith, our families, or our fellow men.
Grant us wisdom from Thy mind, courage from Thine heart, strength from Thine arm, and protection by Thine hand.
It is for Thee that we do battle, and to Thee belongs the victor's crown.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever. AMEN
De Oppresso Liber
Upon their chests
These Our Men
America's Best
1000 men
They'll test one day
But only three
Win the Green Beret
Semper Fi and Gung Ho, RIP Col Howard
I can't help but think, when he was welcomed into the arms of the Lord, the other angels stood in awe. Those of us left behind, most assuredly do.
God Bless and keep you.
As the 4th Armd Div moto said, "DEEDS ALONE"
The Freedom Ring!
...a vision of Col. Howards last mission.
You've been recalled by God, the Father to LZ Heavens Gate. Traveling lite. There you'll leave your `chute, no need to repack. You're expected so orders are not necessary. You've earned a new set of jump wings. Some of your old team are expecting you, I'm sure. Tho' time is immaterial, I expect you'll doubletime it. No ETS from this post soldier! Welcome to your new permanent duty station SOLDIER!
Lord,Thank him for for me for his service and dedication. I missed my opportunity here on Earth.
Thank you sir for your service and may the Good Lord now keep you.
RIP from an Air Force cold warrior....
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Semper Fidelis -- Always Faithful
Rest in peace, Sir.
In exchange for your many years of selfless service and giving to protect this great land of ours, I can only provide you with my deepest appreciation and most sincere and humble thanks. I can only hope that your family takes great pride and finds a sense of peace in knowing that so many other Americans like me look up to you in awe, respect, admiration, and appreciation. Thank you for your service, your bravery, and your patriotism, Colonel. You are and always will be a real American hero. May God bless you and yours.
Semper Fidelis from a Marine
Rest in Peace Soldier.....
God Bless you for your dedication and service to our great country, you were truly a hero in everyway, thank you for the courage and what you did to protect us as do all the men and women who serve in the armed forces. Airborne all the way.
Go high on that mountain and rest in peace for a job WELL DONE.
Semper Fi
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