Toughest American

I was fortunate. Too young for Vietnam and tool old for Iraq. But I really respect the brave men and women who defended and still protect us.

My Dad, like many of his era, lied about his age so he could enlist in the Army at age 17. He was a tough dude.

I just came across the story of Colonel Robert Howard who died last year from cancer and he was probably the toughest of them all.

As you can watch in this short video news report from NBC's Brian Williams, Howard was nominated for the Medal of Honor an astounding 3 times! You can only win this ultimate award once in a lifetime but maybe he deserved more than one.

He earned 8 Purple Hearts and numerous other decorations - watch the video for the details.

Cancer finally claimed Bob Howard but what a great American and tough dude. We need to hear more about heroes like him.