USS Holt (DE-706)

USS Holt (DE-706)

USS Holt (DE-706) was a Rudderow-class destroyer escort of the United States Navy. It was named after William Mack Holt, who was born on 9 September 1917 at Great Falls, Montana. He enlisted in the Navy on 4 October 1940, was appointed an Aviation Cadet on 26 December 1940, he reported to the aircraft carrier Enterprise (CV-6) as a fighter pilot on 16 December 1941. Later transferred to the fighter group on board Saratoga (CV-3), Holt participated in the air operations over Guadalcanal so vital in saving the marine beachhead. Sighting a group of about 27 enemy bombers with escorts on 7 August 1942, Holt led his two-plane section through the enemy fighters, downing several, and helped to turn back the bombers, continuing his relentless attacks until his own aircraft was shot down. Lieutenant (j.g.) Holt was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism.

The keel of Holt was laid down on 28 November 1943 at the Defoe Shipbuilding Company of Bay City, Michigan. Launched on 15 February 1944, she sponsored by Mrs. Robert Holt, mother of Lt.(jg) Holt. She was commissioned at New Orleans, Louisiana on 9 June 1944, with Lieutenant Commander Victor Blue commanding.