Holland, Derek David
Male
Verified U.S. Army Specialist Derek David Holland, 20, of Wind Gap, Pennsylvania, was killed by hostile fire on June 3, 2008, in Zormat, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Derek David Holland was a 20-year-old from Wind Gap, Pennsylvania. He served as a Specialist in the U.S. Army with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 103rd Armor Regiment, a Pennsylvania Army National Guard unit based in Williamsport.
On June 3, 2008, Holland was killed in Zormat district, Paktia province, Afghanistan. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, his unit was conducting a dismounted patrol when it came under small-arms fire from enemy forces. He was reportedly struck during this engagement.
Holland's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In mid-2008, the conflict saw a significant increase in U.S. troop levels and combat operations, particularly in eastern provinces like Paktia, where insurgent activity was frequent.
His body was returned to Pennsylvania. A funeral service was held at the Reeders United Methodist Church, and he was buried with military honors at Buena Vista Cemetery in Wind Gap, according to local news reports at the time.
Holland was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. He is remembered on memorials in his hometown and by his unit.
Explore Further
Derek Holland was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.
