[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 22 (Thursday, February 9, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING CAPTAIN CARLTON JACOB HOLLAND, JR. USA

 Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, today I honor Captain Jake 
Holland, United States Army, for his service in defense of Wyoming and 
our Nation.
  Captain Holland of Casper, WY, was an Army Ranger assigned to the 
48th Army of the Republic of Vietnam, Advance Team 88, Headquarters, 
Military Assistance Command--Vietnam Advisors, Military Assistance 
Command. He was stationed in the Central Highlands of Phuoc Long 
Province as a MACV advisor to the South Vietnamese.
  The Central Highlands were a critical supply route for the Viet Cong 
through the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The MACV mission was infamously known as 
one of the most dangerous missions for ground troops. They deployed 
deep into the jungle in small teams of four to train and assist the 
South Vietnamese Army and the indigenous Montagnard fighters.
  Early in the morning on February 9, Captain Holland and his men came 
under attack. They were outmanned and outgunned by the Viet Cong but 
that did not dissuade their determination to resist the attack on Bu 
Dang Compound.
  As the enemy advanced closer to the compound demanding surrender over 
loud speakers, Captain Holland established a perimeter with his 
remaining forces. He picked up a .50 caliber machine gun and moved from 
position to position, exposing himself with each burst of fire. After 
all of the ammunition ran out, Captain Holland and his men succumbed to 
their wounds but they never gave up the fight. He was 36 years old.
  Forty-seven years ago today, on February 9, 1965, Wyoming suffered 
its first casualty of the Vietnam War. For his valiant actions on this 
fateful day, Captain Holland was awarded the Distinguished Service 
Cross, the second highest honor in the Army. His decorations also 
included the Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 
Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
  Today, Captain Holland lays in rest with his brothers in arms at 
Arlington National Cemetery in Section 35, site 3621. His name is 
engraved on Panel 01E, Line 86 at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
  In Wyoming we never forget. It is through this tradition that we make 
every effort to honor and remember those who have selflessly made the 
ultimate sacrifice. We hold Captain Holland's service and valor 
high.

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