Rank and organization:  First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1^st 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.  1^st 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, 1^st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion.  1^st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire.  Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1^st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader.  As 1^st 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.  1^st 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, 1^st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force.  With complete disregard for his safety, 1^st 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 1^st 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.  1^st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely.  1^st 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.