CPT Palmer J Holden
US Army
1970-1972, Vietnam
Palmer Holden was born in North Dakota and attended North Dakota State University. He participated in advanced ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corp) and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in 1965. Before going on active duty he attended graduate school at Iowa State University, receiving a PhD in Animal Nutrition in 1970.
Lt. Holden was assigned to Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and arrived in Vietnam December 30, 1970. He was assigned to the 29th Civil Affairs Company in Danang and attached to MACV (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam) in Hoi An, south of Danang. His responsibilities included advising Vietnamese to develop civilian agencies plus he taught English to Vietnamese schoolteachers. During high threat periods his entire class walked him home ensuring his safety. He was promoted to Captain while in Vietnam.
Captain Holden received the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars and from Vietnam the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Civil Actions Honor First Class Unit Citation and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation. Citations included “disregarding his own safety, working in remote unsecured areas to help the Vietnamese improve their agricultural production and economy,” “distinguished himself in support of military operations against communist aggression” and “his unrelenting loyalty, initiative and perseverance brought him wide acclaim and inspired others”. Upon return to the United States he was assigned to Fort Polk Fifth Army as a combat training officer.
In 1972 he joined the faculty at Iowa State University and retired in 2002. He and his wife Sheryl currently reside in Iowa City where he serves on Honor Guards for veterans’ funerals with American Legion Post 17. His name was inscribed on the Veterans’ Trail in 2013.
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