America lost a true hero, living legend and great warrior. Col. Robert L. Howard passed away in Waco, Texas Wednesday, December 23, 2009. He was the most highly decorated soldier living at the time of his death. Colonel Howard was nominated for the Medal of Honor three times in a thirteen month period, but due to the highly classified nature of his work in the Army Special Forces he was awarded the honor only once. His citation reads:
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 30 December 1968. Entered service at: Montgomery, Ala. Born: 11 July 1939, Opelika, Ala. Citation: 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 2-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 1 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, he 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 safety, 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 1/2 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. (Source: U.S. Army Center of Military History)
During the 54 months Col. Howard served in Vietnam he was wounded fourteen times. He received eight Purple Hearts. Colonel Howard was awarded many additional medals and honors during his 33 years of service, including the Distinguished Service Cross and multiple Silver and Bronze Star. He was more highly decorated than the legendary Audie Murphy.
The 70-year-old Howard died in a hospice in Waco, according to a report in the San Antonio Express News today. The paper, quoting a longtime friend of Howard’s, retired Sgt. Maj. Benito Guerrero, said Howard had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.
Howard began his Army career as an enlisted man. During one 13-month tour in Vietnam he was nominated for the Medal of Honor three times, but in the first instance the award was downgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross. Several biographies say that downgrade, as well as another — to the Silver Star — was to avoid the problem of noting in the Medal of Honor citation specifics of the combat operations, which were covert. (Source: Military.Com)
Rest in Peace Colonel Howard, this nation owes you a debt that can never be repaid.
Sergeant Thomas Lavin served his country for eight years in the Marine Corps. He saw duty in the Dominican Republic during the revolution and later in Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division. After he left the military he returned home to St. Petersburg where he again served his community as a police officer. Tom died the other day at age 63. He was a lifelong friend.
I first met Tom in the early 1950s. We attended classes together from junior high to high school. As a team we got in a lot of trouble and enjoyed every minute of it. We were even suspended together a couple times. To get back into class we had to submit to ten whacks each for our infractions. The whipping we got in school couldn’t compare to what we got at home. Yes, back in the day whipping was the norm. There was none of this psycho-babble about the harm it did. We took our licks and turned out pretty good. We had a lot less problems in school back then. After the assistant principle, Cherokee Charlie, got through with Tom the boy turned around and asked, “is that the best you can do?” That was just the way Tom was, he could take whatever anyone wanted to dish out.
During high school the war in Vietnam escalated. Tom’s dad, Tom Senior, was a Marine who had served in the Pacific theater. Senior saw action in Guadalcanal and was a tough son of a bitch. Tom idolized him and joined the Marines himself right out of high school. He was the perfect Marine. Tom stood about 6 foot 4 inches and weighed nearly 300 pounds when he was a senior in high school. Every bit of it was hard muscle and determination.
After eight years and a purple heart Tom found he had too many bullet holes in him to continue life as a Marine. He wanted to stay, but by time he was in his mid twenties he was released with a disability. He struggled with the VA for a long time and finally got a 100% disability after years in and out of VA hospitals. He had wounds you could see and some you couldn’t. Tom battled PTSD most of his life. He never fully returned to civilian life and had little patience with those who had not served. He was one of those guys who would tell you that if you hadn’t been in combat you didn’t know shit.
Tom and I camped and fished all across the state of Florida for years after he returned. He loved Florida and especially the Ocala and Gainesville area. He was a Gator.
More than twenty years ago I asked Tom to be my best man. I was getting married, again. Tom refused. He said he didn’t want to be held responsible if it didn’t work out. I’m still sorry he didn’t accept. Jane and I are still married and it worked out well this time. Tom did not have a lot of luck in relationships. It was not until eight years ago that he found someone who would share his life with him and accept him for what he was, not what they wanted him to become. He left behind a family who thought the world of him. I am glad he was able to find someone to share his last years with.
Tom was laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Now he is surrounded by all those heroes who went before him. I know he is in good company. Tom was always a communicator. I’m sure he is catching up for lost time with all his fallen comrades.
Farewell brother. You will be missed by all who knew you. It was an honor and privilege to be your friend.
A musician named Dave Carroll recently had difficulty with United Airlines. United apparently damaged his treasured Taylor guitar ($3500) during a flight. Dave spent over 9 months trying to get United to pay for damages caused by baggage handlers to his custom Taylor guitar. During his final exchange with the United Customer Relations Manager, he stated that he was left with no choice other than to create a music video for YouTube exposing their lack of cooperation. The Manager responded: “Good luck with that one, pal.”
So he posted a retaliatory video on YouTube. The video has since received over 5.5 million hits. United Airlines contacted the musician and attempted settlement in exchange for pulling the video. Naturally his response was: “Good luck with that one, pal.”
Taylor Guitars sent the musician 2 new custom guitars in appreciation for the product recognition from the video that has lead to a sharp increase in orders.
In the spring of 2008, Sons of Maxwell were traveling to Nebraska for a one-week tour and my Taylor guitar was witnessed being thrown by United Airlines baggage handlers in Chicago. I discovered later that the $3500 guitar was severely damaged. They didn’t deny the experience occurred but for nine months the various people I communicated with put the responsibility for dealing with the damage on everyone other than themselves and finally said they would do nothing to compensate me for my loss. So I promised the last person to finally say “no” to compensation (Ms. Irlweg) that I would write and produce three songs about my experience with United Airlines and make videos for each to be viewed online by anyone in the world. United: Song 1 is the first of those songs. United: Song 2 has been written and video production is underway. United: Song 3 is coming. I promise. (Source: Dave Carroll’s webpage)
Obviously United, after nine months of runaround and bullshit, finally agreed to take responsibility. Dave said thanks but no thanks. Meanwhile the incident has introduced a lot of us to one very talented musician. For that we can be grateful to United.
