Armed Forces Entertainment

Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress, it is often called the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The first award of the Medal of Honor was made March 25, 1863, to Private Jacob Parrott, and five others. Since then there have been:

· 3,468 Medals of Honor Awarded

· For 3,461 separate acts of heroism

· Performed by 3,448 individuals (including 9 “Unknowns”)

· Today, there are 96 living Recipients of the Medal of Honor.

· 39% of the living Recipients earned their Medals while serving in WWII (24) or Korea (14).

· There are 60 living recipients who performed actions in Vietnam

HOWARD, ROBERT L.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 2, 1971, has awarded in the name of the Congress the Medal of Honor to

Colonel Robert L. Howard
United States Army (Retired)

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 be 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 t. 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.

His other awards for valor include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star and numerous lesser decorations including eight Purple Hearts. He retired from active duty in 1992 after 36 years of service. He is currently serving as President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

LITTRELL, GARY LEE

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, October 15, 1973, has awarded in the name of the Congress the Medal of Honor

CSM Gary L. Littrell
U.S. Army (Retired)

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sfc. Littrell, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Advisory Team 21, distinguished himself while serving as a Light Weapons Infantry Advisor with the 23d Battalion, 2d Ranger Group, Republic of Vietnam Army, near Dak Seang. After establishing a defensive perimeter on a hill on April 4, the battalion was subjected to an intense enemy mortar attack which killed the Vietnamese commander, 1 advisor, and seriously wounded all the advisors except Sfc. Littrell. During the ensuing 4 days, Sfc. Littrell exhibited near superhuman endurance as he singlehandedly bolstered the besieged battalion. Repeatedly abandoning positions of relative safety, he directed artillery and air support by day and marked the unit’s location by night, despite the heavy, concentrated enemy fire. His dauntless will instilled in the men of the 23d Battalion a deep desire to resist. Assault after assault was repulsed as the battalion responded to the extraordinary leadership and personal example exhibited by Sfc. Littrell as he continuously moved to those points most seriously threatened by the enemy, redistributed ammunition, strengthened faltering defenses, cared for the wounded and shouted encouragement to the Vietnamese in their own language. When the beleaguered battalion was finally ordered to withdraw, numerous ambushes were encountered. Sfc. Littrell repeatedly prevented widespread disorder by directing air strikes to within 50 meters of their position. Through his indomitable courage and complete disregard for his safety, he averted excessive loss of life and injury to the members of the battalion. The sustained extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sfc. Littrell over an extended period of time were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him and the U.S. Army.

His other awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Expeditionary Medal-Dominican Republic, Vietnam Service Medal, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Republic of Vietnam Ranger Badge, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Following his retirement, he served as President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society from September 2003 until September 2007.

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