Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SGT Holcomb distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader in Company D during a combat assault mission. SGT Holcomb's company assault had landed by helicopter and deployed into a hasty defensive position to organize for a reconnaissance-in-forece mission when it was attacked from three sides by an estimated battalions-size enemy force. SGT Holcomb's squad was directly in the path of the main attack. With complete disregard for the heavy fire, SGT Holcomb moved among his me giving encouragement and directing fire on the assaulting enemy. When his machine gunner was knocked out, SGT Holcomb seized the weapon, ran to a forward edge of the position, and placed withering fire on the enemy. His gallant actions caused the enemy to withdraw. SGT Holcomb treated and carried his wounded to a position of safety and reorganized his defensive sector despite a raging grass fire ignited by the incoming enemy mortar and rocket rounds. When the enemy assaulted the position a second time, SGT Holcomb again manned the forward machine gun, devastating the enemy attack and forcing the enemy to again break contact and withdraw. During the enemy withdrawal an enemy rocket hit SGT Holcomb's position, destroying his machine gun and severely wounding him. Despite his painful wounds, SGT Holcom crawled through the grass fire and exploding mortar and rocket rounds to move the members of his squad, every one of whom had been wounded, to more secure positions. Although grievously wounded and sustained solely by his indomitable will and courage, SGT Holcomb was the last surviving leader of his platoon organized his men to repel the enemy, crawled to the platoon radio, and reported the third enemy assault on his position. His report brought friendly supporting fires on the charging enemy and broke the enemy attack. SGT Holcomb's inspiring leadership, fighting spirit, in action at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself , his unit, and the U.S. Army.