On three separate occasions, Col. Robert Howard of Opelika was nominated for his displays of valor and was finally awarded the Medal of Honor on March 2, 1971, by former President Richard Nixon.
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration a member of the U.S. Armed Forces can receive.
Because of the criteria that must be met before the medal can be awarded, it is often given posthumously, though it is considered an honor to simply be nominated.
On Veterans Day Nov. 11, the community of Opelika gathered at City Hall to recognize Howard and all other veterans who dedicated their lives to protecting their country.
Howard died Dec. 23, but on Thursday he was not forgotten.
As one of the most decorated soldiers of the Vietnam War, Howard's name was permanently engraved in a plaque outside City Hall, and Gov. Bob Riley named the new bridge at Exit 58 on Interstate 85 in his honor.
Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said when he proposed the idea to Riley, the governor answered in four short words, "Wow, let's do it."
The actions that led to Howard's Medal of Honor occurred Dec. 30, 1968, as he led a 40-man rescue mission in Cambodia during the Vietnam War.
Howard and another soldier were wounded by a land mine, and while he administered first aid to the wounded soldier, a bullet hit the man's ammunition pack and exploded into Howard's hands.
Wounded, Howard administered aid while giving orders to his men to resist and direct fire at the Vietnamese army.
After three and a half hours, a rescue helicopter arrived, and Howard made sure every man got on before climbing in himself.
"He was the type of person that never backed down, did his best and never quit," said Sherry Beasley, Howard's niece.
During his 36 years of military service, primarily under the 5th Special Forces Group, Howard served five tours in Vietnam and 33 years in airborne divisions.
For his time served, Howard was awarded eight Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, a Distinguished Service Cross and three Bronze Stars for valor, among other honors.
As Riley and family members unveiled the plaque, Riley commended Howard for his numerous accolades.
"Every time you see it, I want you to remember Bob Howard and his legacy," Riley said.
Sadly, Howard died before he was recognized by his hometown.
"The thing that hurts the most is that we didn't do something while he was still here, so we could tell him how proud we are," Riley said.
After the ceremony, Howard's brother Steven commented on the posthumous recognition as he flashed a bittersweet smile.
"It (today's ceremony) means happy/sad--the happy part is that he's home, and sad that it wasn't done years ago," Steven said. "But Robert would say that's OK."
While Howard's accomplishments were the focus of the morning ceremony, all veterans were celebrated.
One by one, several decorated men and women who served in the Armed Forces arrived in uniform to be respected and honored by the community of Opelika.
Eagles soared above, and a flyover concluded the day's ceremony.
"Freedom is a given right, but it is defended by those who fight for it," Riley said. "We can never repay their debt, but can tell them every day how much their sacrifice meant."
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