Robert Lewis Howard (1939-2009) a USMC officer who was wounded 14 times over 54 months of combat was awarded the Medal of Honor eight Purple Hearts a Distinguished Service Cross a Silver Star and four Bronze Stars. Medal of Honor 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.
