SP4 DOUGLAS C HOLLAND

DOUGLAS C HOLLAND

Manuel Pino B/2/8th Cav,1st Cav 68-69
manuel.manuel.pino728@gmail.com
Fellow Army Vietnam Brother

HHC/173rd ABN Bde
Apr 5, 2009

manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. "He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless You for your Sacrifice!!!
Apr 9, 2007

Darilee Bednar
bookstorelady@prodigy.net
Washington State Researcher
GI Photographer Killed on Final Combat Mission John Nance, Saigon It about a month ago that Spec 4 Douglas Holland, 23, of Anita IA returned to Vietnam from rest and recreation leave in Tokyo with an elaborate outfit of photo equipment. Holland had spent six months as an infantryman with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Then he was switched to the brigade information office because of his talent for writing and photography. His new cameras would see him through his final weeks in Vietnam. Then he would go home. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Russell F. Holland, recently moved from Iowa to Sepulveda CA. He was trying to arrange a lecture tour of Iowa High schools. He said he wanted to give the students "a soldier's view of Vietnam." Last Sunday with just 21 days left to go in Vietnam, Holland asked to go on one last combat assault with the troops. A routine company operation was scheduled in War Zone C northwest of Saigon and perhaps, while covering it for the Army, he would get some pictures to illustrate his lectures. But as the helicopters skimmed into the landing zone it was obvious this would not be a routine assault. Viet Cong were in the tree-lines and had planted mines in the clearing. Before the Americans could spring from the helicopters and find cover, many had been cut down by bullets and mine fragments. Holland - described by a buddy with the 173rd as "great under fire" darted low taking pictures. Before long 20 dead and wounded troopers sprawled in the clearing. Holland knew many of them. He put down his cameras and went to work helping the medics. In the confusion, a bullet struck him in the neck. He died on the spot. His photo equipment was sent to the brigade information headquarters at Bien Hoa. His last picture showed a medic tending a wounded man. (The Oregonian, Portland OR, 13 Apr 1967)
Friday, February 25, 2005

Steven Older
stolder@bigfoot.com
Worked with Doug 1964-1965
Oro Grande, CA 92368 USA
Doug was the funniest, most optimistic person I ever worked with. For two summers (1964-65) we both sold encyclopedias door-to-door for P.F. Collier in Van Nuys, California. His enthusiasm rubbed off on everyone. I was serving with the 101st Airborne in 1968, when a fellow helicopter pilot told the story of a courageous combat photographer who died in action that he served with in the 173rd "a Doug Holland." My son and I have visited Doug on The Wall three times. Rest in peace, this hero.
Sunday, July 22, 2001

Paul Epley
epcom@worldnet.att.net
Best Friend
9100 Sardis Forest Drive
Charlotte, NC 28270 USA
Known as "Old Douger" by his running buddies,Doug Holland brought his unmilitary uniqueness to every thing he did. We served in the 173rd PIO (Public Information Office) together. Both of us loved writing and photography. He mostly wrote stories and I mostly shot pictures. Paratroopers trained to be combat soldiers staffed the Brigade PIO. We had to learn the journalism skills on the job. It was a great job and having Doug for a partner made it even better. He had a great way with people and knew how to craft a good story and time the moment for a dynamic visual. We went to Japan on R&R together and spent all our money on stereo equipment and cameras. Doug bought a Nikon movie camera and couldn't wait to get back to the field to shoot some footage. Doug didn't set out to be a knight on a white horse. He wasn't trying to change the world with one great act. He just wanted to get as much joy and wonder from life as he could. Words and pictures were simply the tools he chose to accomplish that quest. In doing so, he inadvertently became an American hero. It was my honor to bring Doug home to his beloved family. Great memories of Doug and his family are safe in my heart. His picture continues to hang on my wall and I continue to miss him daily. Those of us who served with him will always recall his antics and fun loving spirit. A part of him will forever be helping us to find our own joy and wonder. Thanks Doug. We love Ya !
Tuesday, December 18, 2001