Nelson Miles Holderman

Colonel Nelson Miles Holderman earned the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary courage and leadership during one of the most desperate episodes of the First World War, the encirclement of the American Lost Battalion in France's Argonne Forest in October 1918. Though repeatedly wounded and under relentless German fire, he continued to command his men and risked his life to rescue wounded soldiers.

Born on 10 November 1885 in Trumbull, Nebraska, Holderman grew up in Southern California. He enlisted in the California National Guard in 1915 and served on the Mexican border in 1916. Following the United States' entry into World War I, he served in the mobilized 160th Infantry of the 40th Division before arriving in France. His company was assigned to the 307th Infantry Regiment of the 77th Division, where he commanded Company K as a captain.

On 30 September 1918, Holderman demonstrated conspicuous gallantry during an attack on Depot de Machines in the Argonne Forest. His leadership earned a Silver Star citation, recorded in War Department General Orders No. 28 of 1921.

Only days later, from 2 to 8 October, Holderman and his company became part of the surrounded American force remembered as the Lost Battalion. Isolated near Binarville and Charlevaux, the troops endured sustained enemy attacks. Holderman was wounded on 4, 5 and 7 October but refused to abandon his responsibilities. On 6 October, despite his injuries, he crossed enemy machine-gun and shell fire to bring two wounded soldiers to safety. His extraordinary conduct was recognized with the Medal of Honor under War Department General Orders No. 11, issued on 12 March 1921.

Holderman's military honours also included the Purple Heart and decorations from France, Belgium and Italy. After the war he continued his military service, eventually holding the rank of colonel in the California National Guard. In 1926 he became commandant of the Veterans Home of California at Yountville, where he devoted the remainder of his life to improving the care and living conditions of former servicemen.

Holderman died on 3 September 1953 and was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California. His legacy rests not only on his decorations but also on his leadership under fire and decades of service to fellow veterans.