Retired Army Col. Robert L. Howard was a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and one of America’s most decorated soldiers. He served five tours in Vietnam and is the only soldier in the nation’s history to be nominated for the Medal of Honor three times for three separate actions within a thirteen month period.

In addition to being awarded the nation’s highest military decoration, Howard also earned the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star during actions in Vietnam between 1968 and 1969.

In the history books and in the hearts of all his soldiers, Howard was a hero, but to his son, Sgt. Robert L. Howard Jr., he was simply ‘Dad.’

“You know everyone talks about his military accolades and all he accomplished ... but just as a regular person he was also a great man,” Sgt. Howard said.

A memorial service was held Wednesday on Fort Benning for the 26-year Army veteran who served much of his career in Airborne, Ranger and Special Forces units. He died of natural causes on Dec. 23, 2009 at his residence in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 70.

“The Rangers meant a lot to him,” said Sgt. Howard. “That was a special place in his heart.”

Read more about Col. Howard and the memorial ceremony held in his honor in tomorrow's Ledger-Enquirer or on Ledger-Enquirer.com.