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Holmes, Otho Eugene

    Date of birth:
    January 1st, 1919 (Ohio, United States)
    Date of death:
    September 29th, 1959
    Nationality:
    American (1776 - present, Republic)

    Biography

    Career:
    ?: 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment;
    1955: Commanding Officer, 505 Airborne Infantry Regiment.

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Major
    Unit:
    2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army
    Awarded on:
    October 8th, 1945
    Awarded for:
    Operation Market Garden

    Royal Decree No.31, October 8th, 1945.
    Bronzen Leeuw (BL)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Lieutenant Colonel
    Unit:
    2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army
    Awarded on:
    February 24th, 1945
    Awarded for:
    Operation Market Garden
    "For gallantry in action on 1 - 2 October 1944, near ****, Holland. Lieutenant Colonel Holmes, Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, displayed courage and great personal leadership while under heavy enemy fire as he moved through his fire-swept position to maintain contact with his units and direct the defense of his battalion position against two strong German attacks. The outstanding bravery displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Holmes and his ceaseless efforts largely insured the success of his battalion defense. His willingness to expose himself to enemy fire to secure closely coordinated defense enabled him to effect a swift and complete reorganization of his battalion in time to repulse the second attack and further the security of the position. The conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Holmes reflects the highest traditions of the Army of the United States."

    HQ, 82d Airborne Division, G.O. No. 21 (1945).
    Silver Star Medal (SSM)

    Sources

    Photo