Nelson M. Holderman
Encyclopedia
Nelson Miles Holderman was an officer in the United States Army
most notable for commanding a company of the Lost Battalion
during World War I
for which he received the Medal of Honor
. He was considered by many to be one of the most decorated American soldiers of the war.
in 1885 and named Nebuchadnezzar. Upon reaching his 18th birthday he requested permission from his parents to legally change his name to Nelson Miles after a military officer that his father had served under who had been a Civil War
hero and Medal of Honor recipient. He was the second oldest son in a family which included three older sisters and two brothers. In 1893, his family moved to Tustin, California
where his parents bought 30 acres (121,405.8 m²) of land to grow oranges
, walnuts and apricots.
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In 1916, Holderman enlisted as a private
in the Santa Ana
unit of the California National Guard
. From June to October of that year, he participated in patrols on the United States–Mexico border
during the time of Pancho Villa
's raids. Holderman quickly rose through the ranks and by the time the United States entered World War I, he had become captain
in charge of Company L of his Santa Ana unit.
. Even though Holderman was a replacement officer for Company K, he was very well respected by the soldiers under his command due in part to his previous experience prior to the war. As an officer he was regarded as a "soldier's soldier" who never turned down a patrol
and saw his military service as "an adventure". His unit was part of the Meuse-Argonne Campaign
. On October 3, 1918 a major offensive began whose purpose was to break the German line in the Argonne forest
. Of all the units who took part in the initial assault, elements of two battalions under the command of Major Charles White Whittlesey
were able to break through. However, as the only units to have reached their objectives they had gone too far into German territory and were subsequently cut off.
Initial attempts were made to reach Whittlesey and his men but all the units were met with heavy resistance and had to pull back. Only Holderman's Company K, composed of 97 men, had managed to reach Whittlesey's units which, incorrectly became known as "The Lost Battalion" even though there were two such units of that size. With not enough men able to close the distance between Whittlesey and the American lines, Holderman and his company subsequently became part of the Lost Battalion. Holderman was tasked to command the right flank. Though severely wounded early in the five day siege, Holderman continued to lead his men until finally being relieved.
in Yountville, California
taking caring of veterans. He served from 1923 until his retirement in 1953 during which time he greatly expanded the home. After his death, the Veterans Home was renamed to the Nelson M. Holderman in his honor. Though he was regarded as a national hero, he never used his status for personal gain.
Rank at time of receipt: Captain, U.S. Army. Unit: 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division. Place and date: Northeast of Binarville, in the forest of Argonne, France, 2-October 8, 1918. Entered service at: Santa Ana, California. Medal credited to: California. Authority: War Department General Order 11, 1921.
Citation:
is named in his honor, as is the main building on the grounds, Holderman Hall.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
most notable for commanding a company of the Lost Battalion
Lost Battalion (World War I)
The Lost Battalion is the name given to nine companies of the United States 77th Division, roughly 554 men, isolated by German forces during World War I after an American attack in the Argonne Forest in October 1918. Roughly 197 were killed in action and approximately 150 missing or taken prisoner...
during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
for which he received the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
. He was considered by many to be one of the most decorated American soldiers of the war.
Biography
Nelson Miles Holderman was born in Trumbull, NebraskaTrumbull, Nebraska
Trumbull is a village in Adams and Clay Counties in the U.S. state of Nebraska. The population was 212 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Hastings, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area.- Geography :...
in 1885 and named Nebuchadnezzar. Upon reaching his 18th birthday he requested permission from his parents to legally change his name to Nelson Miles after a military officer that his father had served under who had been a Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
hero and Medal of Honor recipient. He was the second oldest son in a family which included three older sisters and two brothers. In 1893, his family moved to Tustin, California
Tustin, California
-Top employers:According to the City's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Tustin had a population of 75,540. The population density was 6,816.7 people per square mile...
where his parents bought 30 acres (121,405.8 m²) of land to grow oranges
Orange (fruit)
An orange—specifically, the sweet orange—is the citrus Citrus × sinensis and its fruit. It is the most commonly grown tree fruit in the world....
, walnuts and apricots.
Early military career
Private (rank)
A Private is a soldier of the lowest military rank .In modern military parlance, 'Private' is shortened to 'Pte' in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries and to 'Pvt.' in the United States.Notably both Sir Fitzroy MacLean and Enoch Powell are examples of, rare, rapid career...
in the Santa Ana
Santa Ana, California
Santa Ana is the county seat and second most populous city in Orange County, California, and with a population of 324,528 at the 2010 census, Santa Ana is the 57th-most populous city in the United States....
unit of the California National Guard
California National Guard
The California National Guard is the component of the United States National Guard in the U.S. state of California. It comprises both Army and Air National Guard components and is the largest national guard force in the United States with a total authorized strength of 22,900 soldiers and airmen...
. From June to October of that year, he participated in patrols on the United States–Mexico border
United States–Mexico border
The United States–Mexico border is the international border between the United States and Mexico. It runs from Imperial Beach, California, and Tijuana, Baja California, in the west to Matamoros, Tamaulipas, and Brownsville, Texas, in the east, and traverses a variety of terrains, ranging from major...
during the time of Pancho Villa
Pancho Villa
José Doroteo Arango Arámbula – better known by his pseudonym Francisco Villa or its hypocorism Pancho Villa – was one of the most prominent Mexican Revolutionary generals....
's raids. Holderman quickly rose through the ranks and by the time the United States entered World War I, he had become captain
Captain (OF-2)
The army rank of captain is a commissioned officer rank historically corresponding to command of a company of soldiers. The rank is also used by some air forces and marine forces. Today a captain is typically either the commander or second-in-command of a company or artillery battery...
in charge of Company L of his Santa Ana unit.
World War I
Company L was assigned as replacements of Company K, 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division of the American Expeditionary ForceAmerican Expeditionary Force
The American Expeditionary Forces or AEF were the United States Armed Forces sent to Europe in World War I. During the United States campaigns in World War I the AEF fought in France alongside British and French allied forces in the last year of the war, against Imperial German forces...
. Even though Holderman was a replacement officer for Company K, he was very well respected by the soldiers under his command due in part to his previous experience prior to the war. As an officer he was regarded as a "soldier's soldier" who never turned down a patrol
Patrol
A patrol is commonly a group of personnel, such as police officers or soldiers, that are assigned to monitor a specific geographic area.- Military :...
and saw his military service as "an adventure". His unit was part of the Meuse-Argonne Campaign
Meuse-Argonne Offensive
The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, or Maas-Argonne Offensive, also called the Battle of the Argonne Forest, was a part of the final Allied offensive of World War I that stretched along the entire western front.-Overview:...
. On October 3, 1918 a major offensive began whose purpose was to break the German line in the Argonne forest
Forest of Argonne
The Forest of Argonne is a long strip of rocky mountain and wild woodland in north-eastern France.In 1792 Charles François Dumouriez outmaneuvered the invading forces of the Duke of Brunswick in the forest before the Battle of Valmy....
. Of all the units who took part in the initial assault, elements of two battalions under the command of Major Charles White Whittlesey
Charles White Whittlesey
Lt. Colonel Charles White Whittlesey was an American Medal of Honor recipient who is notable for leading the "Lost Battalion" in the Argonne Forest during World War I.-Early life and education:...
were able to break through. However, as the only units to have reached their objectives they had gone too far into German territory and were subsequently cut off.
Initial attempts were made to reach Whittlesey and his men but all the units were met with heavy resistance and had to pull back. Only Holderman's Company K, composed of 97 men, had managed to reach Whittlesey's units which, incorrectly became known as "The Lost Battalion" even though there were two such units of that size. With not enough men able to close the distance between Whittlesey and the American lines, Holderman and his company subsequently became part of the Lost Battalion. Holderman was tasked to command the right flank. Though severely wounded early in the five day siege, Holderman continued to lead his men until finally being relieved.
After World War I
After the war, Holderman rejoined the National Guard and continued to serve for many years eventually retiring with the rank of Colonel. He was appointed as the commandant of the Veterans Home of California YountvilleVeterans Home of California Yountville
The Veterans Home of California is located in Yountville, California and was founded in 1884. The facility is the largest of its kind in the United States and has a population of 1100 aged and disabled veterans of World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring...
in Yountville, California
Yountville, California
Yountville is an incorporated town in Napa County, California, United States. It is in the North Bay portion of the San Francisco Bay Area. The population was 2,933 at the 2010 census. Almost one third of the town's population lives on the grounds of the Veterans Home of California.The town's name...
taking caring of veterans. He served from 1923 until his retirement in 1953 during which time he greatly expanded the home. After his death, the Veterans Home was renamed to the Nelson M. Holderman in his honor. Though he was regarded as a national hero, he never used his status for personal gain.
Medal of Honor citation
Citation:
- Captain Holderman commanded a company of a battalion which was cut off and surrounded by the enemy. He was wounded on 4, 5, and 7 October, but throughout the entire period, suffering great pain and subjected to fire of every character, he continued personally to lead and encourage the officers and men under his command with unflinching courage and with distinguished success. On 6 October, in a wounded condition, he rushed through enemy machinegun and shell fire and carried 2 wounded men to a place of safety.
Awards and recognitions
Among Holderman's decorations and medals were the following:-
Medal of HonorMedal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her... -
Silver StarSilver StarThe Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.... -
Purple HeartPurple HeartThe Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
with 2 oak leaf clusterOak leaf clusterAn oak leaf cluster is a common device which is placed on U.S. Army and Air Force awards and decorations to denote those who have received more than one bestowal of a particular decoration. The number of oak leaf clusters typically indicates the number of subsequent awards of the decoration...
s -
Mexican Service MedalMexican Service MedalThe Mexican Service Medal is an award of the United States military which was established by General Orders of the United States War Department on December 12, 1917...
with Citation StarCitation StarThe Citation Star was an award of the United States Army which was first established by the United States Congress on July 9, 1918. The Citation Star was a silver star device pinned to the World War I Victory Medal to denote those who had been cited for extreme heroism or valor...
(replaced with Silver StarSilver StarThe Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
in 1932) -
World War I Victory Medal -
Knight of the Légion d'honneur (France)Légion d'honneurThe Legion of Honour, or in full the National Order of the Legion of Honour is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of the Consulat which succeeded to the First Republic, on 19 May 1802... -
Croix de Guerre 1914-1918 (France)Croix de guerreThe Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts... -
Officer of the Order of the Crown (Belgium)Order of the Crown (Belgium)The Order of the Crown is an Order of Belgium which was created on 15 October 1897 by King Leopold II in his capacity as ruler of the Congo Free State. The order was first intended to recognize heroic deeds and distinguished service achieved from service in the Congo Free State - many of which acts... - Knight of the Order of Leopold II (Belgium)Order of Leopold IIThe Order of Leopold II is an order of Belgium and is named in honor of King Léopold II. The decoration was established on 24 August 1900 by Leopold II as king of the Congo Free State and was in 1908, upon Congo being handed over to Belgium, incorporated into the Belgian awards system...
-
Croce di guerra 1915-1918 (Italy)Croce di GuerraThe Croce di Guerra al Valor Militare is an Italian decoration for military valour.- Past recipients :* Edouard Izac, Lieutenant, United States Navy* Douglas MacArthur, General, United States Army...
Namesakes
The Captain Nelson M. Holderman U.S. Army Reserve Center in West Los Angeles, CaliforniaCalifornia
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
is named in his honor, as is the main building on the grounds, Holderman Hall.
See also
- Charles White WhittleseyCharles White WhittleseyLt. Colonel Charles White Whittlesey was an American Medal of Honor recipient who is notable for leading the "Lost Battalion" in the Argonne Forest during World War I.-Early life and education:...
- Medal of Honor recipient. Commander of the Lost Battalion - George G. McMurtryGeorge G. McMurtryGeorge Gibson McMurtry was an officer in United States Army who received the Medal of Honor as the executive officer of the Lost Battalion during World War I.-Biography:...
- Medal of Honor recipient. Officer in the Lost Battalion - List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War I