The Lost Battalion: Nelson Miles Holderman

Nelson Miles Holderman—commander of Company L, 160th Infantry, 40th Infantry Division—was one of the most decorated soldiers of World War I. At some point in 1917-1918, his unit was sent overseas to replace Company K, one of the nine companies of the 77th Division. During the war, Holderman’s battalion became encircled by German forces in the dense and unforgiving terrain of the Argonne Forest, east of Reims, France. This isolated group later became known as part of the historic “Lost Battalion,” whose endurance under siege became a symbol of American resilience.

Between Oct. 4-7, 1918, Holderman was wounded on three different occasions. Despite these injuries, he refused evacuation and continued to direct his troops during the siege in the Argonne forest.

From the Holderman family history in Tustin, Calif.: “The battalion under the leadership of Major Charles Whittlesey were able to break through enemy lines, in fact going too far. They became known as the Lost Battalion after being cut off. Attempts to reach Major Whittlesey’s unit failed until Captain Holderman’s Company K reached them, also becoming cut off and part of the Lost Battalion. They were surrounded by the enemy for five day-without help or supplies.”

From his Medal of Honor citation:

Captain Holderman commanded a company of a battalion which was cut off and surrounded by the enemy. He was wounded on 4, 5, and 7 October, but throughout the entire period, suffering great pain and subjected to fire of every character, he continued personally to lead and encourage the officers and men under his command with unflinching courage and with distinguished success. On 6 October, in a wounded condition, he rushed through enemy machinegun and shell fire and carried two wounded men to a place of safety.

Just over a month later, the war was over.

After the war, Holderman continued serving, eventually rising to the rank of colonel. He died in 1953 at the age of 67 and was laid to rest at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California.