“Buckeye Division” 37th Division 148th Infantry
July 19, 2009
Heman Holden was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. After graduating from Whitmer High School he joined the National Guard. He became part of the famed 37th Division.
Soon war erupted… but Heman and the 37th we already called up for active duty.
Heman served in some of the early battles in the Pacific, New Georgia, and Bougainville. He had never shared his story. His story is a wonderful expression of the many heroes that live among us… and our forgotten. Heman is a perfect example. All he asks is that we remember those that have fought for our freedoms… and those that never returned home.
A man who 64 years later still wakes up at night to see his dead friends standing at the end of his bed. If you see a veteran during your daily routine… please thank them for their service. For many of them carry the burdens of war with them everyday.
Written by Chris Wulf
· Filed Under World War II
My father Claude A. Knowles is from Toledo, Ohio and served with the 37th Division , 148th Infantry. He also was at New Georgia and Bougainville. I still have the photos taken at these areas during the time period of 1942 thru 1943. Yes my father fought in the Pacfic Theater during the war. He never talk about the war except when I went to Vietnam. He taught me what to look for things in jungle warfare which are not taught in basic training. I am alive today because of his knowledge on what to do in the jungle. I just wanted to say I salute Herman Holden and the men of 37th Division. My ONLY regret I did not get as many combat medals as my father received. My father told me He is very proud of me returning home safe from Vietnam. Thank You Don Knowles
we very much enjoyed the video .. my son is learning about veterans and doing a project on the subject. He would like to meet with you to get a better understanding and more information of you and your life before -during-and after the war. Thank you.
Please e-mail me at chris@historydocumented.com
We can try and make some type of arrangement. Thank you so much for watching.