Melvin Holt

Melvin Richard Holt of 40169 Barnhardt Road, New London, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Britthaven of Piedmont. Born in Stanly County, NC on March 30, 1921, he was the son of the late Jason David Holt and the late Athie Furr Holt. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Margie Elizabeth Floyd Holt and brothers, Nathan Holt , Jack Holt, and Mac Holt; and sisters, Mary Frick, Nora Swicegood and Daisy Kimmer. He is survived by brother Joe F. Holt of Albemarle; stepson, Herbert Hinson of S.C.; friend and caregiver, Lila Ingold of Albemarle; and also nieces and nephews. Mr. Holt was owner/operator of Holt’s Service Station and later operated as asphalt hauling service. He was also a member of Stanly County DAV. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church, Albemarle. Melvin was a former Stanly News and Press paper delivery boy. His mother, Mrs. Athie Furr Holt saved all the copies of the local newspaper for Melvin while he was serving in the United States Army. He may be the only living veteran of the North Carolina Army National Guard from the Albemarle company which was activated during World War II. The guard unit was the 120th Infantry which was assigned to the 30th Infantry Division when it was called to active duty. The 30th Division (Old Hickory) was one of the most famous divisions in the United States Army. After basic training at Fort Jackson, SC and Fort Bragg, NC, Central Europe was his new home. He was an expert rifleman and with automatic weapons, earning his Combat Infantry Badge. He was in a number of campaigns and battles in Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland and Ardennes. Melvin was reported “missing in action” during the invasion of Normandy when the unit moved and left him and two other soldiers on their guard posts and were not notified. His mother was informed that her son Melvin was “missing in action”. That was corrected after they returned to their unit. He found some canned food in the basement of an empty house. To this day he does not care for sauerkraut and raw potatoes. Things didn’t get any better. The company was moving forward and a swing bridge support and the bridge broke and most of the troops got their unscheduled bath. Later, Melvin was driving a jeep without shoes and his wet feet slipped off the pedals and he completely demolished a new three hole latrine. The soldier inside the house of comfort didn’t get an award for injury. Graveside service will be 11 am Thursday, January 28, at Norwood Cemetery. Rev. Stoney Benfield will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by Stanly County DAV, Chapter 12. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com