Since 6/15/00

Paul D. Holmes 1900-1987

The First Armored Amphibian Battalion was activated in early August 1943. It consisted as of approximately 125 dispirited men under the command of a reserve 1st Lieutenant. There was no equipment, the camp was on the bluff of the Boat Basin, Camp Pendleton, California. It was dirty, the men did not have enough blankets to ward off the cold wind blowing off the Pacific Ocean and in order to keep them occupied they rotated through a Physical Conditioning course several times. Its new Commanding Officer was a newly promoted Major with four years service.

Sgt. Major Holmes during the parade at Marine Corps Recruitment Depot (MCRD), San Diego reunion, Oct. 1982

None of the other officers had had any command experience. It was a prescription for a disaster. Or, a scenario that called for experienced noncommissioned officers. Sergeant Major Holmes was one of these. Tall, thin, quiet, as Battalion Sergeant Major he operated behind the scenes providing guidance and support to the more junior NCOs. With his assistance a very rugged and demanding training program was initiated. Disciplinary problems were almost nonexistent and due to intense training the Battalion was ready to be, and deployed for combat in only five months. It was only then that it became known that Sgt. Major Holmes had stomach ulcers and deployed a footlocker loaded with medicine. He remained with the battalion for about a year. One of my most lasting memories was of him floating about the lagoon at Guadalcanal near our battalion camp on a rubber life raft along with other Marines. Due to his failing health I had him transferred to another unit with less demanding duties. Although we remained friends, he never forgave me.

-Lt. Gen. Louis Metzger USMC (retired)

At MCRD parade San Diego 1982
L to R: Lt. General Louis Metzger, host Marine Sgt. Bowron and Sgt. Major Holmes

Sgt. Major Holmes was the oldest and most experience noncommissioned officer existing in the formation of the First Armored Amphibian Battalion. He had the old original Sergeant Major rank that when he retired he was reclassified as a First Sergeant. He was, however, always our Sergeant Major Holmes. Sgt. Major Holmes made many appearances at First Armored reunions, most prominently when he appeared at the 1982 San Diego reunion banquet wearing his Dress Blue Marine uniform. He was a real Marine and he dressed like one. Later he appeared at the 1983 Kansas City reunion as a guest speaker. This good-hearted gentleman meant much to those who came in contact with him.