Pvt. Norbert J. Holland

Word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. G. Kenneth Holland of Forest City that their son, Norbert J. Holland, died in a German hospital prior to the close of the war. A telegram from the war department, dated October 25, 1945, received by Mrs. Holland reads: The secretary of war has asked me to express his deep regret that your son Private Norbert J. Holland died in a German prison camp date unreported, information received through the provost marshall. I regret that unavoidable circumstances made necessary the unusual lapse of time in reporting your son's death to you. Confirming letter follows. (signed) E.F. Witsell, acting the adjutant general.

The letter from the war department, written November 6 and received Friday contains the following information: "It is with deep regret that I am writing to confirm the recent telegram informing you of the death of your son, Private Norbert J. Holland 37683509, Infantry, who was previously reported a prisoner of war. Information has now been received from the Provost Marshall General's office stating that your son died in a hospital at Wahren, Leipzig, Saxony region, Germany. The date and cause of his death were not reported to the War Department. I realize the burden of anxiety that has been yours and deeply regret the sorrow this report brings you. May the knowledge that he made the supreme sacrifice for his home and country be a source of sustaining comfort. I extend to you my deepest sympathy. (signed) Edward F. Witsel."

Norberte entered the service from this county December 22, 1943 and started his basic training at Camp Fannin, Texas in January. After completing his training there he was transferred to Camp Benning, Georgia and in July of 1944 won his paratrooper wings. He was home on furlough in August, returned to Fort Meade, Maryland, and left for England about the first of November. He served in Company B of the 513 Paratroop infantry and was reported to have been taken a prisoner January 4, 1945 by the Germans.

Besides his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Gerald and Randall at home and two sisters, Ina (Mrs. Herman Lester) and Naomi at home. The Hollands live twelve miles west and one mile north of Forest City.

~contributed by Ken Moen

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Norbert J. Holland

Private, U.S. Army
Service #37683509
513th Parachute Infantry Regt, 17th Airborne Division
Entered the service from Iowa
Died 25 October 1945
Name is found on the Tablets of the Missiong at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, Henri-Chapelle, Belgium
Awards: Bronze Star

~American Battle Monuments Commission website

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