Holmes, Otho Eugene

Date of birth:: January 1st, 1919 (Ohio, United States)
Date of death:: September 29th, 1959
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 7. Grave: 8327.
Nationality:: American

Biography

He led his unit during the Normandy invasion operations. The outfit he commanded landed, under fire, in the water and not one of them were killed. He later returned to Washington D. C. and was up for a promotion. Unfortunately Holmes died shortly thereafter due to Leukemia. The Wilmington, Ohio News Journal reported his heroic deed and had a special newspaper honoring him right after D-Day.

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

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Bronzen Leeuw (BL)

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.

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

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).