Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. A highly-decorated combat veteran, he received the award from President Richard M. Nixon at the White House on March 2, 1971, for his actions as a Sergeant First Class with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, U.S. Army, on December 30, 1968. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1956 and performed three tours of duty in South Vietnam. As a Sergeant First Class of the Special Operations Group, he risked his life during a rescue mission in Cambodia while second in command of a platoon-sized Hatchet Force that was searching for missing American soldier Robert Scherdin, for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor. He was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant as a result of his actions. He later served as officer-in-charge of Special Forces training at Camp Mackall, near Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and commander of the Mountain Ranger Training Camp at Dahlonega, Georgia. He retired from the U.S. Army with the rank of Colonel in 1992, with 36 years of continuous military service. Among his many other decorations and award include: the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with three oak leaf clusters), the Bronze Star (with three oak leaf clusters), the Purple Heart (with seven oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), the Air Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the U.S. Army Commendation Medal (with six oak leaf clusters), and the Vietnam Service Medal (with two stars). Following his retirement, he worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs. He died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 70. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then SFC) distinguished himself 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, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. 1st Lt. Howard saw his Platoon Leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. As 1st Lt. 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. 1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then, realizing that he must rejoin the platoon which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, again began dragging the seriously-wounded officer toward the platoon area. Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safely, 1st Lt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders, and directing their fire on the encircling enemy. For 3 and one half 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."