Randolph M. Holder
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| Randolph Mitchell Holder | |
|---|---|
| September 20, 1918 – June 5, 1942 (aged 23) | |
| Place of birth | Jackson, Mississippi |
| Place of death | Midway Atoll |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1940–1942 |
| Rank | Lieutenant (j.g.) |
| Unit | Torpedo Squadron 6 (VT-6) |
| Battles/wars | World War II *Battle of Midway |
| Awards | Navy Cross (posthumous) |
Randolph Mitchell Holder was born 20 September 1918 in Jackson, Mississippi, and was commissioned Ensign 10 April 1940 following flight training. Reporting to Torpedo Squadron 6 (VT-6) in the famous aircraft carrier Enterprise (CV-6), he took part in the early carrier operations in the critical months following the attack on Pearl Harbor and then fought in the pivotal Battle of Midway, first of the great American successes in the sea war. In the gallant attack of the torpedo planes early on 4 June 1942, Holder and his comrades attacked the Japanese ships without fighter cover. Though Holder and many others were shot down while pressing this attack, they forced radical maneuvers and diverted Japanese air cover so as to make the later raids lethal to the enemy fleet. Lieutenant (j.g.) Holder was presumed dead next day, 5 June 1942, and was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his heroism.
[edit] Namesake
In 1944, the destroyer escort USS Holder (DE-401) was named in his honor; after DE-401's loss, the destroyer USS Holder (DD-819) received a similar honor in 1945.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| NAME | Holder, Randolph Mitchell |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | |
| SHORT DESCRIPTION | American Navy officer |
| DATE OF BIRTH | September 20, 1918 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Jackson, Mississippi, United States |
| DATE OF DEATH | June 5, 1942 |
| PLACE OF DEATH | Midway Atoll |
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