Major Eric Holt: Anesthesiologist 

Major Eric Holt was on his fourth deployment, providing battlefield care for special operations forces (SOF) at forward operating bases. Known for his superior skill and zeal, he has treated and recovered SOF teammates on three continents.

In January 2009, Major Holt accompanied members of a Marine special operations team as they staged forward to conduct a nighttime direct-action mission in southwest Afghanistan. While returning from the mission via a ground convoy, his SOF team was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). The IED detonated under his vehicle, ripping it apart and throwing Major Holt 35 yards from the vehicle, seriously wounding him. Ignoring his injuries and slipping in and out of consciousness, he attempted to assess and treat his teammates.

Major Holt sustained multiple intracranial hemorrhages, extensive facial bone and skull fractures, and a burst-fractured cervical vertebra. Members of his medical team evacuated him via helicopter to a nearby field surgical station, where he continued to help triage and aid the other Marines and a fellow Airman wounded by the blast. Eventually, the surgical team stabilized Major Holt and placed him on mechanical ventilation. He was then medically evacuated. He survived his wounds and continues to endure the litany of evaluations and treatments that are necessary for recovery from his blast injuries.

Major Holt fully expects to be able to treat people again, and plans to return to the operating room, in a SOF physician’s role.