Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert S. Holloman (ASN: 0-1317170), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Baguio, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 20 April 1945. The advance platoon of Company C, 148th Infantry Regiment, was attacking a series of strategic enemy-held ridges, when it suddenly encountered heavy machine gun, rifle, and mortar fire. First Lieutenant Holloman, the platoon leader, at once ordered his men to take cover. Then, in the face of almost continuous machine gun fire, he moved up a sharp slope, located an enemy gun position and, attacking it single-handedly with a sub-machine gun, killed the two gunners. As he completed this act, three more enemy appeared on the crest of the hill and moved toward a second machine gun positions. First Lieutenant Holloman immediately opened fire and killed two of the Japanese, while the third fled. Informed that the left flank platoon was threatened with attack and that the platoon leader had been wounded, he swiftly crossed the company’s front, reorganized the platoon , and led it in a savage attack over the edge of the hill. As he continued to press forward against the retreating enemy, a hostile machine gun opened heavy fire. Without pausing, Second Lieutenant Holloman charged directly into the lane of fire and succeeded in killing both enemy gunners before he fell mortally wounded, within a few feet of the gun. Through his repeated heroism in the face of death, First Lieutenant Holloman so inspired his men that they completely annihilated a strong enemy force. First Lieutenant Holloman’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    148th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 2 & 3, 1945
    Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 140 (June 4, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert S. Holloman (ASN: 0-1317170), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 2 and 3 March 1945. During an assault on a heavily fortified building in Manila, the enemy displayed a white flag indicating a wish to surrender. Ordering the men to be extremely alert, Lieutenant Holloman deployed his platoon so as to cover all available exits. After two Japanese had emerged from the building, the enemy treacherously opened fire from both floors. Lieutenant Holloman quickly ordered a smoke barrage to cover the regrouping of his platoon, and continually exposed himself to the enemy’s intense machine gun fire to direct the maneuver of his men into the best tactical and covered positions. Several hours later Lieutenant Holloman boldly led a determined assault on the enemy’s position and succeeded in forcing an entrance into the building where he personally killed a Japanese officer and three men. Lieutenant Holloman’s cool fearlessness and bold leadership were of decisive importance in the successful overwhelming of this well-fortified strongpoint. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.