The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Howard Hamilton Danford, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 and 7 April 1968, while serving as Battalion commander for the 2nd Battalion (Airborne) 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. During a search and destroy mission Company A became heavily engaged with an estimated two companies of North Vietnamese Army Soldiers lodged in well-concealed bunkers with interlocking fields of fire. Three casualties were taken in Company A in the initial contact. The company commander recoiled from the contact in order to set up a perimeter to get out his wounded and to prep the area with artillery prior to continuing the attack. The perimeter quickly became under intense sniper fire from the surrounding trees. This fire included automatic weapons and occasional RPG rockets. Casualties continued to mount up until approximately ten men were wounded. A Medevac helicopter, on its final approach to the area, received automatic weapons fire and was shot down just outside the perimeter. A recovery force reached it and brought back the three wounded crew members. Company A now had thirteen wounded to care for. The company commander called Lieutenant Colonel Danford to inform him of the situation. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he alerted Company B to be prepared to move to assist A Company. Word came in to the TAC-CP that A Company was continuing to take casualties and Lieutenant Colonel Danford then ordered Company B to move to A Company’s assistance. He personally took charge of the relief force and moved with them on the ground. His presence had an electrifying effect on the troopers on B Company. They increased their alertness and aggressiveness because they realized, because of his presence, how important their mission was. They moved out late in the afternoon, and traveled well into the night. At approximately 1200 hours the following day, contact was made with an estimated squad of NVA Soldiers in bunkers. Lieutenant Colonel Danford was everywhere in the resulting fire fight, shouting encouragement and advice to all his men. He exposed himself to the intense hail of enemy fire with complete disregard for his own personal safety. B Company assaulted and result was two NVA killed and capturing two individual weapons. He then reorganized the relief force and continued on to the beleaguered A Company. At approximately 1500 hours the relief force succeeded in breaking through the NVA forces to relieve A Company. The A Company commander was wounded and Lieutenant Colonel Danford assumed command of the element and immediately initiated sweeps to clear the area, supervised the preparation of an LZ and personally supervised the evacuation of all the wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Danford’s presence in the midst of the fire swept battle area calmed the troops and reassured them. He appeared to be everywhere giving encouragement and advice. Lieutenant Colonel Danford’s outstanding display of gallantry in action and his devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Howard Hamilton Danford (ASN: 0-66438), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Danford distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on 10 March 1968. Contact began when Company A encountered an enemy force utilizing automatic weapons, RPG rockets, mortars, and hand grenades in fortified bunkered positions. The contact continued most of the day and ammunition was a dire necessity. Lieutenant Colonel Danford organized an immediate ammunition re-supply and escorted its insertion into the engaged Company A. When over the contact area, the enemy fire power was recognized to be extremely heavy. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he gave the order to descend. Though his helicopter received heavy enemy automatic weapons fire, his determination and courage enabled the seriously needed ammunition to be inserted into the engaged Company A. With this ammunition, Company A was able to fight their way to the enemy complex and rout a numerically superior enemy force, and partially disable them for immediate future aggression. Lieutenant Colonel Danford’s outstanding display of gallantry in action and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.