Virgil J. Holt was a private in the United States Army from Taylor County, West Virginia. Virgil served with the 17th Ordinance Company in the Philippines during World War II. He was captured as a prisoner of war when the troops on the Philippines were forced to surrender in 1942.
Virgil was held as a prisoner of war in the Philippines for two years. While being transported to Japan on the Shinyo Maru, Virgil lost his life on September 7, 1944 when the unmarked ship was torpedoed by an Allied submarine. His death was received by the War Department on February 14, 1945.
Virgil was awarded the Purple Heart and his body was buried at sea. In recognition of his honorable service in World War II, and for his ultimate sacrifice, Virgil J. Holt's name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in Manila, Philippines, and Virgil's was one of the original names inscribed on the West Virginia Veterans Memorial.
If you have any additional information concerning Virgil J. Holt's life or family, please contact Debra Basham at the West Virginia Veterans Memorial Archives at (304) 558-0230 ext. 116.