U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) announced this week that the Headquarters Building of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky will be dedicated in honor of Colonel Robert Howard.

Colonel Howard served with the 5th Special Forces in Vietnam, and was Thompson’s company commander when Thompson was an airborne instructor at the Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Thompson requested the Army establish a memorial honoring Colonel Howard and worked with the Army to identify the facility at Fort Campbell.

“During this week where we celebrate America’s independence, it’s fitting that we honor a man who fought and sacrificed so much for the freedoms we all enjoy. I had the honor to serve under Colonel Howard while I was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia,” said Thompson. “He is one of the most decorated soldiers in American history and he has earned the honor of having 5th Special Forces Group Headquarters forever named in his honor.”

Colonel Robert Howard, a Green Beret, was awarded the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, a Defense Superior Service Medal, four Bronze Stars for Valor, eight Purple Hearts, four Legion of Merit awards, three Meritorious Service Medals, and more than 40 other awards and decorations for his service.

Colonel Howard enlisted in the Army in 1956 at the age of 17 and served in the Army for 36 years. He served five tours (54 months) in Vietnam during the Vietnam War in the Army Special Forces and was wounded 14 times.

After his retirement, Colonel Howard worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs, combining for more than 52 years of government service on behalf of veterans and members of the Armed Forces. During his retirement, he traveled to war zones to speak to and inspire troops several times during the current conflicts.

Colonel Howard died of pancreatic cancer on December 23, 2009, at the age of 70, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery on February 22, 2010, with full military honors.

Thompson represents California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.