April 1, 1945 - February 14, 1969
John Marshall Holloway, the son of Howard Lee Holloway and Eloise (Compton) Holloway, was born in El Reno on April 1, 1945, and went on to attend school in the El Reno Public Schools.

Holloway enlisted in the military on April 2, 1962, and after being discharged from his first tour of duty on March 25, 1965, Holloway enlisted again on June 4, 1965, for his second tour. He loved his country intensely, a love that prompted his reenlistment. He was primarily an infantryman (11B10) in the U.S. Army.

Tragically, on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1969, while serving as a squad leader in Company D, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, S/Sgt. Holloway was Killed in Action near Quan Loi in the Tay Ninh province of South Vietnam.

An unmarked newspaper clipping records the following about Holloway’s actions that day, for which he posthumously received the Silver Star:

“Staff Sergeant Holloway distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action as a squad leader with Company D during a combat mission. When his unit became heavily engaged with a large, well-fortified enemy force, Sgt. Holloway exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he assaulted two enemy bunkers, neutralizing them with grenades. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sgt. Holloway then provided a heavy volume of covering fire which enabled his men to maneuver against a third hostile position. While engaging his enemy positions, Sgt. Holloway was mortally wounded.”

Services were held on Tuesday, February 25, 1969, at Wilson Funeral Home in El Reno, with interment at the El Reno Cemetery with full military rites. Survivors included his wife Beverly (Bond) Holloway, his son and daughter, and his parents and paternal grandparents. His wife received his medals posthumously, as shown in this newspaper image from the July 16, 1969 issue of The Daily Oklahoman:

S/Sgt (E-6) Holloway received not only the Silver Star and the Purple Heart, but he was also awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Medal of Valor, National Defense Medal, Combat Assault Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal.

In 1975, the El Reno City Council voted to name a street in his honor, Holloway Avenue, which runs from SE 27th St north to SE 22nd St. He is honored on Panel 32W, Line 32, of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Athletics

Vietnam Biographies

Andrew Harrison "Skipper" Ashley, Jr.

James Terence Bayne

Clarence Finley Blanton

Robert Wesley Blanton

Alpha Lee Buford

Donald Lee Gustafson

John Marshall Holloway

Ward Eugene Jackson

Barney Lawrence Denton King

Paul Marion Mills

Robert Dean Plato

Joe Ed Riley, Jr.

Herbert Lee Sanders, Jr.

Sammy Ray Smith

Ronald Lee Watson