[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 13990-13991]
[From the U.S. 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 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

[[Page 13991]]

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.

                          ____________________