[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 122 (Wednesday, September 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1487-E1488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         MAJOR DONALD HOLLEDER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 12, 2012

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
accomplishments of Donald Holleder, Major, United States Army.
  Donald Holleder was born on August 3, 1934, in Buffalo, New York. He 
was an outstanding high school athlete, and was sought

[[Page E1488]]

after by some of America's most prestigious universities. But Donald 
Holleder chose to attend the United States Military Academy at West 
Point, even forgoing a National Football League draft selection by the 
New York Giants in 1956 to serve as an officer in the Army.
  Don Holleder was, by nature, a selfless man who subordinated himself 
to the greater good of the team, whether that team was on the football 
field or the field of battle. He was the embodiment of a true leader, 
willing to endure personal sacrifice so that others could succeed, even 
at risk to his own personal safety.
  Major Holleder's actions in Vietnam on the morning of October 17th, 
1967 at the Battle of Ong Thanh were unparalleled in their bravery. 
According to eyewitness accounts documented in the Army's 
recommendation for award, his actions to save wounded soldiers under 
enemy fire were above and beyond the call of duty. After several 
requests to be permitted to assist his men, the Brigade Commander 
relented and gave his approval. Having voluntarily gone outside the 
perimeter, armed with only a .45 caliber pistol and advised of the 
peril he faced, he ran several times into no-man's land, risking his 
own life to save others. Stabilizing a rapidly deteriorating situation 
and reestablishing command, this Brigade staff officer saved many lives 
before he was mortally wounded.
  On April 27th, 2012, Major Donald Holleder was posthumously awarded 
the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his sacrifice. His 
actions were indeed so notable and involved risk of life so 
extraordinary that he clearly deserves to be set apart from his 
comrades, exemplifying the timeless values of courage and sacrifice 
that this award is intended to honor.

                          ____________________