Ranger....of a different kind dies at 70

Wow...tough as nails and smart too! Double masters degrees. As was noted above; our nation was built on the shoulders of men (and women) like him....RIP.
 
Thanks for posting that, Byrdman. It is a great tribute to a true American hero.

Here's a toast to Colonel Bob Howard, the best of the best. May we never forget his bravery and sacrifice -- or that of all the brave men and women who step up and answer the call to serve in our Armed Forces.

God bless them all.
---
mike
 
whats amazing is that we have only learned of his deeds through his death. can't believe a man who has accomplish so much on and off the field, has remained hidden from the general public. i would have loved to have heard his stories, shook his hand and called him a hero and friend.
during my bootcamp days my drill instructor would continually tell us, vietnam was not a good war, but until we can find a better one, it was all we had!
it's a strange breed, the military, but thank goodness we have them.
pat
 
Thanks Byrdman,

Very impressive. I'd like to read the details. I'm 70 also and still standing with nothing to show for it. :cry:

Bill
 
Patrick,

Thank you for the posting. I had missed hearing about Colonel Bob Howard's passing and his heroic life so I am glad you posted the link to the news item.

As others have noted, what an incredible individual and obviously one of the finest soldiers representing the United States of America during the Vietnam era. His biography would be a helluva read.

Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

Take care,
Dan
 
Awesome... Thanks for those links.

Am I the only one who wonders why we heard nothing of this on the US News in the evenings?? Must be all that real important stuff they have been reporting instead.

Byrdman...loving living the FREE life in America :beer :smiled :thup
 
NOTE: In 1917, the laws governing the award of the Medal of Honor ended all DOUBLE awards of the Medal of Honor. Click here for more information

*********************

I met Bob Howard and several other MOH recipients at a Washington DC dinner back in 1988 or 1989. All of them were wonderful men who definitely earned our respect.

In the 43+ years since I entered the USMC in 1966 I have met and served with many heros, some got medals and others just earned my respect. In my current line of work I meet lots of men and women who think they deserve my respect but only a few have earned it. I'll take a military man/woman who goes in the line of fire over a public official every time.

Bill Uffelman
SGT USMC
CPT US Army Retired
 
My wife and I watched a documentary on Desmond Doss, conscientous objector and Medal of Honor recipient. His story is a uniquely American story and an inspiration. I hope anyone who is interested takes time and watch this story of his life.
At his Medal ceremony President Truman said "I'm proud of you, you really deserve this. I consider this a greater honor than being president", enough said.


www.desmonddoss.com
 
12/30/09 CBrats-

FYI...I have now read a gripping 'first hand' account of the secret war conducted by the Special Forces/Special OPS units in Laos, Cambodia, North VietNam.

Author is Major John L. Plaster, USA (ret)
Special Forces
Title: The Secret Wars of America's Commandos in Viet Nam (1997).
ISBN 0-684-81105-7

Autor personnaly served with SFC Bob Howard and led a special SOG team himself as SSGT in the Special Forces. Author decribes the full history of Special OPS beginning in 1961 until the end of the war. Also, he explains why many KIA/MIA/POWs could not be identified.

Now that all their heroic service is now 'unclassified', maybe more will know of their selfless scrafices.

A truly awesome account....


John Roark
2008 CD 16C w/Honda 50
R&R
Upper Potomac River (VA) Fleet
 
"My wife and I watched a documentary on Desmond Doss, conscientious objector and Medal of Honor recipient. His story is a uniquely American story and an inspiration. I hope anyone who is interested takes time and watch this story of his life.
At his Medal ceremony President Truman said "I'm proud of you, you really deserve this. I consider this a greater honor than being president", enough said."
Click to expand...

I would second that.

I had the unique privilege of meeting Desmond Doss at a Medical Cadet Corp training session before I was drafted and sent to Viet Nam. He was a most unassuming, humble man with a very special sense of caring, and an indomitable faith.

Patrick, thanks for the thread.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Thanks for the link.

I had the pleasure of serving with, or meeting, several MOH recipients during my 26 year Naval career. All were unassuming men who "were just doing my job."

Cal Bridgers - The Deckhand
YNCM, USN-Retired
 
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