Arlington National Cemetery, Section 7A Grave 138

Robert "Bob" Howard 1939 - 2009

Every time I see his face, mine eyes begin to water and I feel that lump in my throat. I just stare at the photo and I thank God for this old out spoken man. I recall the videos of him yelling at a bunch of young men, telling them to do the right thing, always and in all ways. In others he can be seen talking and smiling with the same young men thousands of miles from their home, giving advice and encouragement. He is not a preacher, no he speaks from experience. In the days gone by, he would have made the Spartans turn green with envy. Rome would have given his weight in gold to have him for their own. For he was a leader, a friend and a true warrior in every aspect of the definition, no matter which language one would seek the definition.

"Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure"- Abraham Lincoln

He was born July 11, 1939 in Opelika, Alabama, and served in the Army from 1956 to 1992. He served five tours in Vietnam and was a Sergeant First Class in the Special Forces on December 30, 1968 when he rallied his troops against 250 enemy soldiers despite being outnumbered and unable to walk himself. He was injured from grenade blasts and he was still the last man to board the helicopter out of there.

He was nominated for the Medal of Honor, the highest honor for valor, three times during a 13-month period. An American can only be awarded one Medal of Honor. His long list of awards also included the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star and eight Purple Hearts. Bob was wounded 14 times in 54 months of combat duty in Vietnam. He earned eight wounded in combat medals, eight Purple hearts.

President Nixon awarded Bob the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1971. The citations reads . . . .

 "For 31⁄2 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."

After Bob Howard retired he never stopped encouraging the troops at home or abroad. It was cancer that fell this man, the man the enemy could never kill.

The next time you need a little encouragement, check out that old man, Col. Robert "Bob" Howard, and watch the videos of the man who never surrendered.

Quoting Brian Williams of NBC. his description of Col. Bob Howard, "the toughest American alive when he was among us."

The man lies in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 7A Grave 138, still providing courage to all who stop to visit with him.

"Hard times ask us to put a greater good before our own interests. It is sometimes physically or emotionally painful. Yet throughout history, you will find common men and women who fought selflessly in a variety of ways for something so much larger than just their own benefit." 

Col. Robert "Bob" Howard, US Army Retired

I hope to see you there.

http://www.nowpublic.com/world/bob-howard-medal-honor-winner-vietnam-veteran-dies-70-2544105.html#ixzz2bkqCvg6u