Local veteran receives new medals
Snowbird – Over 55 years after entering the service, Johnny Harrison Holloway was re-decorated with the honors and medals he received during the Vietnam War.
With the help of the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs office in Sylva and Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 Commander Warren Dupree, Holloway's medals and awards were re-issued and presented to him in an awards ceremony at New Hope Baptist Church on July 18.
On June 8, 1970, Holloway traveled to Fort Campbell in Kentucky to begin basic training in the United States Army. Only 19 at the time, he was one of several men in the county to receive the draft and report for service for his country.
After finishing his basics, he reported to Fort Polk in Louisiana, where he received advanced training in preparation for deployment to Vietnam. This training area provided jungle-like vegetation, heat and humidity that simulated the conditions the soldiers would face when they reached Vietnam – preparing them for the challenges of combat.
Upon completion of his advanced training, Holloway left stateside and entered the conflict on foreign soil.
While serving his country, Holloway excelled in battle. He received several honors and medals. Over the years, the medals were lost and by the time Holloway married wife Kathy, he had moved on with his life and never spoke of his prestigious service in the war.
One of the unfortunate casualties of the Vietnam War was the exposure to Agent Orange, a tactical herbicide that was used by the U.S. to clear vegetation.
The herbicide was sprayed in the jungles where military were located. It has been linked with lung disease, Parkinson’s Disease, bladder cancer, prostate cancer and other health issues.
Holloway has suffered from lung cancer, kidney disease and heart disease. His health is declining and he has recently been placed on hospice.
After a visit with his brother – who mentioned his awards – Holloway’s wife Kathy made it her mission to see that he received the medals and honors once again, to recognize his service and celebrate his contributions to service for his country.
Among his honors was the Bronze Star, which recognizes acts of heroism, meritorious achievement and service in battle. This award is considered one of the highest for valor. He also received the National Defense Service Medal, awarded for honorable service during national emergency or conflict; the Vietnam Service Medal, awarded to armed forces who served in Vietnam and its contiguous waters in direct support of operations in Vietnam; the Vietnam Campaign Medal, awarded to U.S. personnel for six months or more service in South Vietnam; and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, which was awarded for acts of bravery, heroism and gallantry in action against the enemy.
Other awards were given to Holloway, as his family stood by him for the presentation.
Among those present was Holloway’s son Josh, who followed in his father’s footsteps and served his country in Iraq. Josh began his basic training in Fort Benning, Ga., before being sent to Fort Campbell, where his parents visited him before being sent overseas.
Holloway doesn’t have much to say about his time in the Army.
He summarizes his experience in one sentence: “Getting out was the best memory of service I ever had.”