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.

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)

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.

McGINTY, JOHN J. III

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 12, 1968, has awarded in the name of the Congress the Medal of Honor to

Captain John J. McGinty, III
United States Marine Corps (Retired)

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.  2d Lt. McGinty’s platoon, which was providing rear security to protect the withdrawal of the battalion from a position which had been under attack for 3 days, came under heavy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from an estimated enemy regiment. With each successive human wave which assaulted his 32-man platoon during the 4-hour battle, 2d Lt. McGinty rallied his men to beat off the enemy. In 1 bitter assault, 2 of the squads became separated from the remainder of the platoon.  With complete disregard for his safety, 2d Lt. McGinty charged through intense automatic weapons and mortar fire to their position.  Finding 20 men wounded and the medical corpsman killed, he quickly reloaded ammunition magazines and weapons for the wounded men and directed their fire upon the enemy. Although he was painfully wounded as he moved to care for the disabled men, he continued to shout encouragement to his troops and to direct their fire so effectively that the attacking hordes were beaten off.  When the enemy tried to out-flank his position, he killed 5 of them at point-blank range with his pistol. When they again seemed on the verge of overrunning the small force, he skillfully adjusted artillery and air strikes within 50 yards of his position. This destructive firepower routed the enemy, who left an estimated 500 bodies on the battlefield.  2d Lt. McGinty’s personal heroism, indomitable leadership, selfless devotion to duty, and bold fighting spirit inspired his men to resist the repeated attacks by a fanatical enemy reflected great credit upon himself, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.

His other Awards include the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal with two bronze stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Upon his return to the United States in May 1967, he reported to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. He served as a drill instructor until his promotion to second lieutenant on 8 August 1967.  The following day, he assumed his assignment as Series Officer, 1st Recruit Battalion, at the Recruit Depot, Parris Island.  Captain McGinty retired from the Marine Corps in October 1976.