Carlton Jacob Holland, Jr.
Captain, U.S. Army

In February 1965, Captain Carlton Jacob Holland, Jr. was serving with 48th Army Republic of Vietnam Infantry, Advisory Team 88, Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Advisors, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV).

On 9-10 February, CPT Holland was serving as Subsector Advisor at Bu Dang compound, Duc Phong Subsector, Phuoc Long Sector, in the Republic of Vietnam. At 2200 hours on 9 February, the compound was attacked by a hostile contingent composed of about 70 armed insurgents. During the initial assault, hostile mortar fire registered direct hits on the compound defenses. The Viet Cong, realizing the vulnerability of the compound, called upon CPT Holland to surrender. Stimulated by the will to resist, CPT Holland refused, despite the overwhelming odds. He then dispersed his small force to form a defensive perimeter. Taking the most dangerous approach himself, CPT Holland manned a machine gun and engaged the insurgents until the ammunition at that position was exhausted. He then moved to an alternate position and continued to fight until his small band was overrun and killed by the Viet Cong. CPT Holland's extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards, Badges & Tabs

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge
Ranger Tab

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Carlton Jake Holland (0-2270112), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Holland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on during the period 9 - 10 February 1965 while serving as Subsector Advisor at Bu Dang compound, Duc Phong Subsector, Phuoc Long Sector, in the Republic of Vietnam. At 2200 hours on 9 February 1965, the compound was attacked by a hostile contingent composed of approximately seventy armed insurgents. During the initial assault, hostile mortar fire registered direct hits on the compound defenses. The Viet Cong, realizing the vulnerability of the compound, called upon Captain Holland to surrender. Stimulated by the will to resist, Captain Holland refused, despite the overwhelming odds. He then dispersed his small force to form a defensive perimeter. Taking the most dangerous approach himself, Captain Holland manned a machine gun and engaged the insurgents until the ammunition at that position was exhausted. He then moved to an alternate position and continued to fight until his small band was overrun and killed by the Viet Cong. Captain Holland's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 98 (April 1, 1965)

Honors

The name Carlton J Holland Jr is located on Panel 1E Line 86 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Captain Carlton Jacob Holland, Jr. is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, VA, in Section 35, Site 3621.

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