Thanks to modern DNA testing, Vietnam veteran Master Sgt. James Holt was identified and returned to his family, 47 years after being listed as Missing In Action.

Master Sgt. James Holt was with Company C, Detachment A-101, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces in Vietnam when he went Missing In Action. His story is heart-breaking but it's safe to say that he is a certified hero after what he accomplished before he went missing the night his camp was overtaken. (Make sure to click the link at the bottom for his full story.)

Shortly after midnight on 7 February 1968, a combined NVA infantry-tank assault drove into Lang Vei. Two PT-76 tanks threatened the outer perimeter of the camp as infantry rushed behind them. MSgt. James Holt destroyed both tanks with shots from his 106mm recoilless rifle. More tanks came around the burning hulks and began to roll over the 104th CIDG Company's defensive positions. SSgt. Peter Tiroch, who survived this battle, was the assistant intelligence sergeant. He ran over to MSgt. Holt's position and helped load the weapon. James Holt quickly lined up a third tank in his sights and destroyed it with a direct hit. After a second shot at the tank, both men left the weapons pit just before it was demolished by return cannon fire. MSgt. Holt then ran to the ammunition bunker to look for hand-held Light Anti-tank Weapons (LAWs). He was last seen uninjured between 0200 and 0230 hours as he was going after M-72 Anti-tank weapons.

SFC Dennis L. Thompson was the last to see Holt alive and was at the airport last week when his remains were returned to his widow and daughters. In the interview, Thompson gives his thoughts on what happened to MSgt. James Holt.

Master Sergeant James William Holt was finally laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on 14 May 2015. May you forever rest in peace and welcome home soldier!

Vietnam veteran Master Sergeant James Holt - Photo by CBS Evening News via YouTube
Vietnam veteran Master Sergeant James Holt - Photo by CBS Evening News via YouTube
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