HOWARD MCKINNEY
Patriot, Chapter 1919
(ARMY,
Vietnam) Article January 2004
Howard McKinney
was born in Fort Worth in 1945. He spent his early childhood in
Granbury, Texas and then the family moved to Stephenville when he was in
elementary school. Howard graduated from Tarleton State University in Stephenville in May 1967 with a B.S.
degree in Mathematics and Physics.
As an ROTC graduate, Howard was
commissioned Second Lieutenant, Infantry, and entered active duty in October
1967. After training in Fort Benning, GA and Fort Polk, LA, Howard was
ordered to Vietnam, arriving in country September 1968. He was initially
assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry
(Wolfhounds), 25th Infantry Division, in DAU TIENG. Following an
emergency leave in December, upon his return to the 25th
Division, he was assigned as a rifle platoon leader in Company B, 2nd
Battalion, 12th Infantry. The company operated from Fire
Support Base “Pershing” and on Feb 9, 1969 during a road clearing operation
from Pershing to TRANG BANG, his unit was engaged by the enemy in an action
following which, Howard received the Silver Star for gallantry (see
citation) and the Purple Heart for an AK-47 wound to his left leg.
After two weeks hospitalization in
CU CHI and another month convalescence, he returned to his company, this
time as Weapons Platoon Leader. He later served as Company Executive
Officer before completing his tour of duty. He was also awarded the Bronze
Star and Army Commendation Medals. After returning to the United States, he
was discharged as a Captain in late 1969.
Immediately upon reentry into
civilian life, Howard McKinney was
employed by the University of Texas data processing unit. After nearly
three years at UT he joined the management consulting firm of Booz, Allen &
Hamilton where he worked for another two years on an Automated Tax Appraisal
System for the city of Wichita Falls and the city of Austin as team leader
of the Tax Application Team. He then returned to Austin with the
Information Systems Division for the State Comptroller, (then) Bob Bullock.
Having gained experience in automation of tax, municipal, county, and state
levels he began a private consultation business. Since 1981 he has
directed McKinney E-Systems & Associates, Inc. of Austin, Texas. Howard and
his wife, Judy, have two married children and they currently enjoy trips to
remote nature areas. Howard is an avid fisherman whenever he can take time
off from his work and volunteer duties with Chapter 1919.
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CITATION
The Silver Star
Date of action:
9 FEBRUARY 1969 |
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FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION: FIRST
LIEUTENANT McKINNEY DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF BY HEROIC ACTIONS ON 9 FEBRUARY
1969, WHILE SERVING AS A PLATOON LEADER WITH COMPANY B, 2D BATTALION, 12TH
INFANTRY, 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION IN THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM. WHILE ON A
ROAD CLEARING MISSION, LIEUTENANT McKINNEY’S PLATOON WAS AMBUSHED BY AN
UNKNOWN SIZE ENEMY FORCE. LIEUTENANT McKINNEY RECEIVED A PAINFUL LEG WOUND
IN THE INITIAL ENEMY BARRAGE. DESPITE HIS WOUND HE DIRECTED HIS PLATOON’S
FIRE AGAINST THE ENEMY. WHEN ONE FLANK WAS THREATENED LIEUTENANT McKINNEY
CRAWLED ACROSS THE OPEN ROAD, EXPOSING HIMSELF TO THE ENEMY’S DEADLY FIRE,
IN ORDER TO DIRECT THE THREATENED ELEMENT. LIEUTENANT McKINNEY, ONCE AGAIN
DISREGARDING HIS OWN PERSONAL SAFETY AND HIS WOUND, CRAWLED TO THE FORWARD
MOST POSITION OF THE PLATOON WHERE HIS WOUNDED MEN WERE LYING. IN THIS
FORWARD POSITION HE ADMINISTERED LIFE SAVING FIRST AID AND PERSONALLY
ASSISTED THEM TO COVERED POSITIONS. LIEUTENANT McKINNEY’S ACTIONS WERE
RESPONSIBLE FOR SAVING SEVERAL LIVES AND FOR THE DEFEAT OF THE INSURGENT
FORCE. LIEUTENANT McKINNEY’S PERSONAL BRAVERY AGGRESSIVENESS AND DEVOTION
TO DUTY ARE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MILITARY SERVICE
AND REFLECT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, HIS UNIT, THE 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION
AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY. |
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