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Beyond the Call of Duty: The Life of Colonel Robert Howard, America's Most Decorated Green Beret
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.
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.
304 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2024
123 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 14, 2024
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.
January 1, 2025
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.
December 9, 2025
Well this book keeps my kick ass book reading streak intact. Robert “Bob” Howard is one of the greatest war heroes in American history, right up there with Sgt Alvin York and Audie Murphy who was the most decorated American soldier of WWII. Howard joined the military to get away from serious poverty in Alabama. His grandmother taught Bob always to run towards trouble and never retreat. Early in life some neighborhood tough bullies wanted to steal his newer (not new) shoes and he beat the dogshit out of these turds. Well done Bob. Howard eventually joins the Green Berets and MACV-SOG comically enough as a supply Sgt. He does not complain. not his style he just fills in on “across the fence” missions in Cambodia and Laos with small RT teams. Howard gets put in for three medals of honor. He should have won all three but was given one, a Distinguished service cross as well (second highest military honor) and a Silver Star. Howard was wounded in combat 14 times but never cared much for accolades and “only” received eight! purple hearts. Here is an example of what a bad ass mother fucker Bob was. While wounded at the hospital he goes to the chow line in his hospital pajamas because he hates the hospital food (who doesn’t) and while in the chow line two viet cong cock suckers toss a grenade into the chow hall from a passing motorcycle . Bob grabs the MP’s M-16 shoots the rear passenger and kills him causing the driver to crash the motorcycle. The driver flees and Bob chases him down and shoots his ass and leaves both corpses in the street hands the M16 back to the Mp and gets back in the chow line! He received no recognition for this stunning feat. Thank you Robert Howard for being an amazing American and true hero.
September 20, 2025
Although I did not keep track as I read this book, I see a review says Robert Howard was wounded fourteen times and received eight Purple Hearts during fifty-four months in combat. How four ten month tours of duty in Vietnam come out to fifty-four months, I’m not sure.
What I found most interesting was how Howard slowly found his purpose. Unlike many Vietnam veterans Howard was too young to have also served in World War Two and the Korean War. He enlisted as soon as he turned seventeen well before special operations went from ad hoc to institutionalized in the U.S. military. It was only when he was hospitalized in Vietnam in 1965 after being shot in the cheek and losing several teeth that he made the acquaintance of a Green Beret patient and got transferred to that command.
What Howard did in the Green Berets for the remainder of that first tour is not known. Several times the author states that the records of MACV-SOG, the clandestine organization Howard served in, were completely and deliberately destroyed after the war. He also hypothesizes about the infamous St. Louis archive fire but that destroyed mostly WWII records.
After completing his first Vietnam tour and his official Special Forces training in the U.S. Howard went on his first mission eleven months after having left Vietnam. At this point, page 37, the pace of the book becomes much more detailed.
What I found most interesting was how Howard slowly found his purpose. Unlike many Vietnam veterans Howard was too young to have also served in World War Two and the Korean War. He enlisted as soon as he turned seventeen well before special operations went from ad hoc to institutionalized in the U.S. military. It was only when he was hospitalized in Vietnam in 1965 after being shot in the cheek and losing several teeth that he made the acquaintance of a Green Beret patient and got transferred to that command.
What Howard did in the Green Berets for the remainder of that first tour is not known. Several times the author states that the records of MACV-SOG, the clandestine organization Howard served in, were completely and deliberately destroyed after the war. He also hypothesizes about the infamous St. Louis archive fire but that destroyed mostly WWII records.
After completing his first Vietnam tour and his official Special Forces training in the U.S. Howard went on his first mission eleven months after having left Vietnam. At this point, page 37, the pace of the book becomes much more detailed.
August 8, 2025
This is the 3rd book I've read covering the heroic service of the guys assigned to MACV-SOG. I've also read Legend, and SOG. I cannot get enough of their stories and I wish today's generations would read to see what true service to country and bravery are. Soldiers like Colonel Robert Howard don't come around every day, but his actions, devotion to duty, and selfless concern for others stand as rock-hard examples that can change men. Notwithstanding the secrecy of their missions and the lack of mission specific material, Stephen Moore does a thorough job of bringing Colonel Howard's life and service into clear view. I was left in awe.
Separate from the story, is a lesson in how poorly our government conducted the war. To allow our enemy nearly free reign to operate inside Laos and Cambodia just to satisfy a few political sensitivities is unforgivable and because of that to allow our KIA and MIA in those countries to be abandoned, is a black mark those leaders will always be known for.
Separate from the story, is a lesson in how poorly our government conducted the war. To allow our enemy nearly free reign to operate inside Laos and Cambodia just to satisfy a few political sensitivities is unforgivable and because of that to allow our KIA and MIA in those countries to be abandoned, is a black mark those leaders will always be known for.
January 17, 2026
The book is mostly focused on the war, just a little bit about The life of colonel Howard.
The Vietnam war should never have been here in the first place. By some Democrat warmongers in the 1960s, how many patriots had perished in some foreign lands? For what they had fought? Paving the way for global democracy? For nothing.
The kind of SOG strategy could never work. In a larger sense, there was no strategy all. No wonder all the generals who led the war(and the people who voted for the war in Congress), American people basically cannot recognize one. Worst leadership. These generals deserved to be under the historical carpet of uselessness and needlessness
How many years did the Vietnam war go for?
You have to win the war as quickly as possible with minimum casualty and as little consequences to the people as possible.
The Vietnam war should never have been here in the first place. By some Democrat warmongers in the 1960s, how many patriots had perished in some foreign lands? For what they had fought? Paving the way for global democracy? For nothing.
The kind of SOG strategy could never work. In a larger sense, there was no strategy all. No wonder all the generals who led the war(and the people who voted for the war in Congress), American people basically cannot recognize one. Worst leadership. These generals deserved to be under the historical carpet of uselessness and needlessness
How many years did the Vietnam war go for?
You have to win the war as quickly as possible with minimum casualty and as little consequences to the people as possible.
January 9, 2025
A true story about a man who goes on to become the most decorated special forces soldier in Vietnam. Takes you from his early years with his grandmother to enlisting in the Army to finally getting into the Green Berets. Then goes into the different people he met and fought with along with the different missions that they all went on. Most were with SOG but the author gives everyone from pilots to medical, just everyone. Some stories are funny and some are serious. Overall a very good book and worth the read.
June 4, 2025
This is an incredible story of a man who would become legend for his exploits in Viet Nam. He had to be one of the toughest dudes on the planet, yet able to keep his cool when things got very hot. Like most of us, not a perfect person, but a guy who you would like to have at your side when it hit the fan.
July 10, 2025
An interesting story of an American hero,this was an easy read but I believe the author took a few liberties. There are certain sequences that I don't believe happened the way they were told. Over all its a good story although not exceptionally well written. You need to learn about this man he's a great soldier
June 24, 2025
Reading this book was like learning that captain price is a real guy lol. The action scenes are crazy detailed and help fully immerse you when reading the book and the only bad thing about the book is that it ends tbh.
March 30, 2026
The only book I am aware of on Bob Howard and it is mainly composed of official information such as actions that resulted in award citations. I have read stories about him in other books but like Jerry Shriver he has remained a sort of folk hero of his time without a proper public biography.
May 23, 2025
Well written account of an amazing man's courage. What he did and endured in RVN defies comprehension.
June 6, 2025
Hero of heroes
The unreal REAL story of the most decorated soldier since WWII. Reads like a Captain America in real life. Unbelievable.
The unreal REAL story of the most decorated soldier since WWII. Reads like a Captain America in real life. Unbelievable.
October 19, 2025
Heroics beyond description and unimaginable to mere mortals. Very engaging read and it made the experience of Colonel Howard understandable in the direst circumstances. God rest his soul.
December 18, 2025
Holy cow this guy is the man. Got shot in the face and said put me back in coach.
April 12, 2026
The extraordinary and courageous exploits of Medal of Honor of Col. Robert Howard.
May 9, 2026
What a story about a real American soldier and hero to this nation. Truly inspiring, and he is a main reason why US people should be thankful to live here and stop complaining with "me" problems.
December 18, 2025
Must-Read Biography of America's Most Decorated Soldier
Most Americans are unaware the most decorated American soldier in our history is Special Forces Vietnam Veteran, Robert Howard. This accolade is usually reserved for Audie Murphy, who attained this distinction during three years of service in WWII. But Robert Howard served during the Vietnam War and won his awards while assigned to the super-secret Studies and Observations Group (SOG) doing classified missions over-the-fence in Cambodia or Laos. These were the original "silent professionals" who stayed true to their non-disclosure agreements to speak nothing of their exploits until 20 years after the end of the Vietnam War. Finally, in the 1990s, former SOG soldiers John Plaster and John Stryker Meyer wrote their eponymous books giving names and faces to the secret warriors who did so much underappreciated work in that unpopular war.
Robert Howard stood out above them all. He was recommended for the Medal of Honor three times, received it on the third recommendation, and was wounded 14 times. Because he disdained awards and much of the records for SOG were destroyed at the end of the war, the Army literally lost track of just how many awards Howard received. He was believed to have exceeded Audie Murphy's record but has generally been called America's most decorated Green Beret, a title he winced at. He always felt guilty about such recognition because of all the fine soldiers who never made it home alive and others whose heroics never came to light. When Howard was asked about Audie Murphy, he is said to have told them, "That man [Murphy] was a hero, I was just a soldier." Howard was, indeed, a career soldier--enlisting in 1956, receiving a battlefield commission in Vietnam, and going on to command Ranger and SF units until his 1993 retirement.
Stephen L. Moore's well-written and researched book focuses on Howard's military career. There is biographical information about his early life, early influences, and post-Vietnam career, but they are not the detailed eye-witness accounts that make up the main part of this book. Since the book's focus and theme is centered on his wartime exploits, it has a somewhat hagiographical tone. Howard was a complicated man (he was quite religious, was married three times, and struggled with alcoholism and PTSD). But the picture that emerges from this book is of a hard-as-nails, no-nonsense professional, who fought like a tiger and never displayed fear when under fire. Despite his toughness, he cried at his unit's losses and went into a rage as the war came to a close and he realized all his battlefield achievements would not be able to prevent the war's disastrous loss.
As a former soldier, I found the most interesting thing about Howard was his professional humility and teachability which appeared to be genuine. The fact that, as a 31-year-old combat veteran of Special Forces, with three tours of 'Nam under his belt, numerous purple hearts and awards for heroism, he was still willing to attend US Army Ranger School in 1970 and be its honor graduate is something rather extraordinary. He also attended and passed the Special Forces Qualification Course later in his career, a school that did not exist in the early days of Vietnam era SF. He could have built his postwar career sitting on his military laurels and simply bypassed these schools (which are designed for young, relatively inexperienced leaders) but he wanted to earn his place as an instructor and commander among our nation's most elite warriors. This is uncommon.
This book is a fast-paced read and HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended.
Robert Howard's name should be known to all of our military servicemembers, his story should be taught in every high school, and no responsible student of warfare should be unaware of his contribution to our nation's rich military heritage. Enjoy!
Most Americans are unaware the most decorated American soldier in our history is Special Forces Vietnam Veteran, Robert Howard. This accolade is usually reserved for Audie Murphy, who attained this distinction during three years of service in WWII. But Robert Howard served during the Vietnam War and won his awards while assigned to the super-secret Studies and Observations Group (SOG) doing classified missions over-the-fence in Cambodia or Laos. These were the original "silent professionals" who stayed true to their non-disclosure agreements to speak nothing of their exploits until 20 years after the end of the Vietnam War. Finally, in the 1990s, former SOG soldiers John Plaster and John Stryker Meyer wrote their eponymous books giving names and faces to the secret warriors who did so much underappreciated work in that unpopular war.
Robert Howard stood out above them all. He was recommended for the Medal of Honor three times, received it on the third recommendation, and was wounded 14 times. Because he disdained awards and much of the records for SOG were destroyed at the end of the war, the Army literally lost track of just how many awards Howard received. He was believed to have exceeded Audie Murphy's record but has generally been called America's most decorated Green Beret, a title he winced at. He always felt guilty about such recognition because of all the fine soldiers who never made it home alive and others whose heroics never came to light. When Howard was asked about Audie Murphy, he is said to have told them, "That man [Murphy] was a hero, I was just a soldier." Howard was, indeed, a career soldier--enlisting in 1956, receiving a battlefield commission in Vietnam, and going on to command Ranger and SF units until his 1993 retirement.
Stephen L. Moore's well-written and researched book focuses on Howard's military career. There is biographical information about his early life, early influences, and post-Vietnam career, but they are not the detailed eye-witness accounts that make up the main part of this book. Since the book's focus and theme is centered on his wartime exploits, it has a somewhat hagiographical tone. Howard was a complicated man (he was quite religious, was married three times, and struggled with alcoholism and PTSD). But the picture that emerges from this book is of a hard-as-nails, no-nonsense professional, who fought like a tiger and never displayed fear when under fire. Despite his toughness, he cried at his unit's losses and went into a rage as the war came to a close and he realized all his battlefield achievements would not be able to prevent the war's disastrous loss.
As a former soldier, I found the most interesting thing about Howard was his professional humility and teachability which appeared to be genuine. The fact that, as a 31-year-old combat veteran of Special Forces, with three tours of 'Nam under his belt, numerous purple hearts and awards for heroism, he was still willing to attend US Army Ranger School in 1970 and be its honor graduate is something rather extraordinary. He also attended and passed the Special Forces Qualification Course later in his career, a school that did not exist in the early days of Vietnam era SF. He could have built his postwar career sitting on his military laurels and simply bypassed these schools (which are designed for young, relatively inexperienced leaders) but he wanted to earn his place as an instructor and commander among our nation's most elite warriors. This is uncommon.
This book is a fast-paced read and HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended.
Robert Howard's name should be known to all of our military servicemembers, his story should be taught in every high school, and no responsible student of warfare should be unaware of his contribution to our nation's rich military heritage. Enjoy!
February 21, 2025
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.
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.
February 12, 2025
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
November 11, 2024
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!
December 17, 2024
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.
March 27, 2025
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.
February 11, 2025
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.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 6, 2025
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.
May 5, 2025
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!
February 17, 2025
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.
May 8, 2025
Just starting the book, very enjoyable, great author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews