First Lieutenant
The Silver Star
Donald W. Holman was born 18 September, 1946 in Newport, Arkansas and graduated from England High School in 1964. He received a B.S. in Political Science, at Arkansas State University in 1968 and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.
In May 1969 1LT Holman was serving in Vietnam and was Killed in Action on 10 March, 1970 while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company D, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. 1LT Holman led a reaction force into an area of enemy contact. As 1LT Holman reached the area he led an assault upon well concealed enemy positions. He witnessed one of the vehicles in the assault had been stopped by a rocket propelled grenade, injuring the crew. 1LT Holman immediately placed his tank between the wounded men and the enemy fire. As the wounded were being evacuated, 1LT Holman’s vehicle was hit by a rocket propelled grenade, causing the turret to burst into flames and trapping one of the crew. Warning his driver of the impending danger, 1LT Holman exposed himself to the enemy fire in order to place accurate suppressive fire upon the enemy with his machinegun. Despite intense enemy fire 1LT Holman held his position, effectively suppressing the enemy’s advance until his crew could evacuate the vehicle and the trapped men could be freed. During the battle 1LT Holman suffered mortal wounds by the hostile fire. 1LT Holman’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
In September of 1970 1LT Holman was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Prior to his death, 1LT Holman had been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Metal and the Expert Badge with automatic rifle bar.
