CHAPTER CHATTER
The Official Newsletter of the
Shenandoah Valley Chapter #313
Korean War Veterans Association
Sgt William C. Holmes (RIP)
KWVA Shenandoah Valley Chapter #313 participated in the October 2nd Reception for Ambassador Cho Yoon-je who is returning to the ROK. The reception was held at the Ambassador’s residence, and there were many people there to honor the Ambassador. Paul Cunningham, President of KWVA presented a book to Ambassador Cho entitled “Monument Wars” by Kirk Savage, with a note saying “Please accept this modest gift as a token of friendship and of the esteem with which you are held in the minds of our KWVA members. We hope, as you read this book, it will evoke fond memories of your sojourn as the Republic of 40-50 of the enemy.” Despite his injuries, the Smyth County soldier returned to duty just two weeks later on Jan. 30. The husband, son, and brother continued his service until that day about eight months later when his unit took part in a patrol near the Iron
Triangle in the present-day Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. A firefight ensued, and Sgt. Holmes was killed near Korisil, North Korea.
According to Richardson’s and Rosenbaum’s book, his life was claimed by a land mine blast. For his leadership and heroic actions, Holmes was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean War Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
A visitation was held for family, friends, and anyone wishing to honor Sgt. Holmes on Friday, November 22, 2019 at Rosedale Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 10 am at the Rosedale funeral home and interment followed in Middleway Masonic Cemetery. Attending from Chapter #313 were Narce Caliva, Jack Kronenberger, Steve Culbert, Dave Clark, Ed Hill and his wife Sandy.