Beyond the Call of Duty: The Life of Colonel Robert Howard, America's Most Decorated Green Beret

by Stephen L. Moore

As a child, Robert Howard was taught by his Granny Callie to always face his threats head-on. Some thirty years later, he emerged from the Vietnam War as America's most decorated Green Beret.
For the first time, Robert Howard's story is being told in full. Respected military historian Stephen L. Moore takes readers into the heart of the Vietnam War's covert Special Ops jungle warfare in this immersive, suspenseful read. Through family sources, National Archives documents, and dozens of testimonials from the Green Berets who fought alongside him, this "one-man army" will finally be given the recognition he deserves.

Robert Howard grew up in poverty in a small town in Alabama, with a strong sense of faith and determination. When he enlisted in the army at age seventeen, his Granny Callie's words echoed in his head, and he pledged to follow them to the bitter end. In the most dire of combat experiences, Howard ran directly toward his opponents, sacrificing his body to protect others and to complete the mission above all else. Time and time again, he survived battles that should have claimed his life, suffering countless bullets, a spinal injury, and shrapnel and blast wounds. Recon commanders who ran missions with him declared him to be the bravest man they had ever met.

In return, Howard received a staggering number of awards and ribbons for valor and distinctive service in combat--over fifty in all, including the Medal of Honor, eight Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, and four Bronze Stars. He holds the distinction of being the only soldier nominated for the Medal of Honor three times in only a thirteen-month period. In total, Howard spent a grueling, treacherous forty months in combat duty in Vietnam, including over two years with MACV-SOG's elite covert group.

Genres: Military Fiction, Military History

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2024

Reviews

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read many books about the Vietnam war anymore, mostly because they are not so many nowadays. But some are still being written and Beyond the Call of Duty by Stephen L. Moore is one of those. It tells a lot about the time Robert Howard spent in Vietnam and some shorter bits about his time afterwards. It is a great well researched book that in my mind could easily have been twice as long. I want to know more. It is always great when you get to read about events from many sides and as I have a few hundred books about this conflict I recognize a lot of the events told by different people. If you wnat a good book about this war or are interested in SOG or military biogrphies this is one you need to read. It is just, wow. I thank Dutton Caliber , Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for supplying me with this great advance copy.

[Julie Pint · Rating 4 out of 5]

A glimpse into the heroic life of Bob Howard - the most decorated Special Forces soldier of the Vietnam War. He was a man dedicated to doing his job and serving his country and fellow soldiers. It’s important to learn about these heroes given they were not given their due upon their return. It’s the story of service and sacrifice. Thanks to NetGalley for this story.

[Prof. Purple · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Beyond the Call of Duty: The Life of Colonel Robert Howard, America's Most Decorated Green Beret, esteemed military historian Stephen L. Moore presents a comprehensive account of Colonel Robert Howard's extraordinary service during the Vietnam War. Scheduled for release on December 3, 2024, this biography delves into the life of a soldier renowned for his valor and resilience.
Penguin Random House

Colonel Howard's military career is distinguished by an unparalleled array of commendations, including the Medal of Honor, eight Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, and four Bronze Stars. Notably, he is the only soldier to have been nominated for the Medal of Honor three times within a thirteen-month span. His service encompassed forty grueling months in combat during the Vietnam War, with over two years dedicated to the elite covert unit MACV-SOG.
Penguin Random House

Moore's narrative is enriched by extensive research, drawing from family archives, National Archives documents, and numerous testimonials from fellow Green Berets who served alongside Howard. The biography offers an immersive exploration into the covert operations and jungle warfare that characterized the Vietnam War, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of Howard's courage and dedication.
Penguin Random House

Early reviews have commended the book for its compelling storytelling and thorough examination of Howard's life. One reviewer described it as "a story of an individual who refused to run and cared for the well-being of his fellow comrades in arms," highlighting the inspirational nature of Howard's service.
NetGalley

Beyond the Call of Duty stands as a significant tribute to Colonel Robert Howard, offering an in-depth look at the man behind the medals and his unwavering commitment to his country and comrades.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a child, Robert Howard was taught by his Granny Callie to always face his threats head-on. Some thirty years later, he emerged from the Vietnam War as America’s most decorated Green Beret. Military historian Stephen L. Moore takes readers into the heart of the Vietnam War’s covert Special Ops jungle warfare in this suspenseful read. When Howard enlisted in the army at age seventeen, his Granny Callie’s words echoed in his head, and he pledged to follow them to the bitter end. In the most dire of combat experiences, Howard ran directly toward his opponents, sacrificing his body to protect others and to complete the mission above all else. Time and time again, he survived battles that should have claimed his life, suffering countless bullets, a spinal injury, and shrapnel and blast wounds. Howard received a staggering number of awards and ribbons for valor and distinctive service in combat – more than fifty in all, including the Medal of Honor, eight Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, and four Bronze Stars. He holds the distinction of being the only soldier nominated for the Medal of Honor three times in only a thirteen-month period. In total, Howard spent a grueling, treacherous forty months in combat duty in Vietnam, including over two years with MACV-SOG’s elite covert group. A good story, but typical of a lot of military books (too many unnecessary details) just an average read

[Randal White · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read about an incredible man! We're so lucky to have warriors like Colonel Howard in our country. Excellent story, easy to read, hard to put down, full of wild action. I've worked with a former member of SOG. The intensity in his eyes, the awareness of his surroundings at all times, and just the general aura he projected were amazing. They were a special breed. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for a fair review. In this case, I can't recommend the book highly enough!

[Ellen bransford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit my knowledge of the Vietnamese war is sadly lacking. Beyond the Call of Duty helped to rectify that lacking. Mr. Moore painted a very clear picture of Colonel Robert Howard, both as a man and as a soldier. We see the decimation of Col. Howard to his duty and to the men with whom he serves. Medal of Honor recipients are a rare and honorable breed and Mr. Moore makes clear why the honor was awarded. This is a book of war and human suffering so it is not an easy read. But it will help anyone wanting to know more about this soldier, this war and human nature.

[Jason Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a review that said this was just another average military story. Ugh. Robert Howard was nominated for the Medal of Honor three times over a 13-month period. He was wounded 14 times over 54 months of combat, was awarded the Medal of Honor, eight Purple Hearts, a Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, and four Bronze Stars. This man was literally the exact opposite of anything remotely average. All I could think about was the drive, determination, and sheer guts of an individual like this. To take the damage and stress he did and keep pushing forward is unreal to me.

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an outstanding story of a truly great American hero! This book should be read by all. It is a story of an individual who refused to run and cared for the well-being of his fellow comrades in arms. The hardships and wounds he endured for our country was heartbreaking and inspirational at the same time. This is a great read about a truly great person!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[David Wurster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that could not be told for long after the end of the Vietnam War due to any excursions into Laos or Cambodia being kept secret. Regardless of where anyone stands on the politics of the war, we owe a great deal to the brave men and women who served. Thank you, Stephen L. Moore, for telling their stories.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guy puts Superman to shame! Physically and mentally he was a Soldier’s Soldier. It’s almost unbelievable the things he survived and did in his career. What an amazing man and an amazing story! Wow!

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read numerous books about MACV-SOG operations in Vietnam. All mention numerous tough and hard men. And all say Bob Howard was the top of that heap. This book explains why all SOG men agree.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just starting the book, very enjoyable, great author.

[Mikel · Rating 3 out of 5]

.!