Burton Holmes

Burton Holmes’ Personal Narrative was derived from information found in public records, military personnel files, and local/state historical association materials. Please note that the Robb Centre never fully closes the book on our servicemembers; as new information becomes available, narratives will be updated to appropriately represent the life story of each veteran.

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Military Honor(s):

Distinguished Service Cross: Posthumousy awarded

Citation: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Burton Holmes (ASN: 1872566), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 371st Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, A.E.F., near Hill 188, France, 28 September 1918. After he had been badly wounded and his automatic rifle had been put out of commission, Private Holmes returned to his company, under extremely heavy machine-gun and shell fire, and taking another automatic rifle, went back and reopened fire on the enemy. While thus engaged he was killed.

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Life & Service

  • Birth: 23 September 1897, Clemson, SC, United States
  • Place of Residence:
  • Race/Ethnicity: African American
  • Death: 28 September 1918 Ardeuil et Montfauxelles, France
  • Branch: Army
  • Military Rank: Private
  • Company: [C]
  • Infantry Regiment: 371st
  • Division: 93rd
Personal Narrative
Early Life (Pre-War): Includes general parent information, sibling information, education) Toggle Accordion

Burton Holmes was born on September 23, 1897 in Clemson College, Pickens Co., South Carolina to William (1875-1897) and Ellen Waiter (1877-1912). Burton had two half-sisters from his mother’s previous relationships with Lizah Earle (?-?) and Eben Watson (?-?); Nancy Earle (1893-?) and Mamie Watson (1899-?).

It is unclear if Burton consistently lived with his mother before she died, nonetheless, he spent time on his grandfather, William Holmes, Sr.’s (1827-1918) farm and listed him as beneficiary on military insurance.

Service: Includes a summary of transfers, rank change(s), training, enlistment, and discharge locations Toggle Accordion

Burton enlisted in the United States Army in Anderson, South Carolina on October 27, 1917 as a Private. Private Holmes and his company left Newport News, Virginia on April 7, 1918 aboard the U.S. Army Transport Ship U.S.S. President Grant, arriving in Brest, France on April 15, 1918. Private Holmes received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions near Hill 188, France on September 28, 1918:

“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Burton Holmes (ASN: 1872566), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 371st Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, A.E.F., near Hill 188, France, 28 September 1918. After he had been badly wounded and his automatic rifle had been put out of commission, Private Holmes returned to his company, under extremely heavy machine-gun and shell fire, and taking another automatic rifle, went back and reopened fire on the enemy. While thus engaged he was killed”. Posthumously awarded DSC by CG, AEF, Feb. 4, 1919. Published in G.O. No. 37, W.D. 1919.

Later Life (Post-War): Includes post-war education, occupation, marriage(s) and/or children, location and date of death Toggle Accordion

Burton was buried first in an isolated grave in Sechault, Ardennes, France, then moved on June 2, 1919 to the Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, Departement de la Meuse, Lorraine, France.

From his death until 1938, various members of the Holmes family attempted to receive the military insurance issued to William Holmes, Sr., who died just before Burton in 1918- the payout supposedly was never distributed by Burton’s estate, and was absorbed back into circulation by the VA.