2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
University of Minnesota (2010)
1st Lt. Christopher Holbrook was born on August 13, 1981, in Germany.
He enlisted in the Army in 2002 as an infantryman. Holbrook deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
On the night of March 26th, 2003, then Specialist Holbrook participated in the historic airborne parachute assault to seize Bashur Airfield in Northern Iraq as part of Operation Northern Delay. His squad was selected to perform an escort duty in October of 2003. During that escort mission, seven of the ten personnel in the convoy were injured in an ambush. Despite being gravely wounded himself, Holbrook led the entire convoy to safety. Because of his bravery, all members of the squad survived and recovered. In 2004, he was honored as the USO Army Soldier of the Year at a gala in Washington D.C. for his actions in October of 2003.
Holbrook earned a Green to Gold scholarship to become an officer through the University of Minnesota’s Army ROTC program. During his time with the Gopher Battalion, he was selected as the Cadet Battalion Commander, received recognition as a Distinguished Military Graduate, and earned a spot on the rowing team. His passion for the military led him to work at the university Veteran’s Center and give back to the community while enrolled in ROTC.
Holbrook received his commission after graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 2010 and was selected to represent the University of Minnesota Officer Recruiting Program as a Gold Bar Recruiter.
At Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, as a platoon leader, Holbrook earned his Expert Infantryman’s badge and was later promoted to First Lieutenant. Holbrook completed Pathfinder’s School and upon his return was moved to the company Executive Officer position within his battalion. His other military education includes the Infantry Basic and Advanced Courses, Infantry Mortar Leader Course, Stryker Leader Course, Ranger School, Air Assault School, Airborne School, Warrior Leader Course, Combat Life Saver Course, and Combatives Levels I and II. In addition, he earned the distinction as the Distinguished Honor Graduate for his class in Ranger school.
Holbrook was honored with an extensive number of awards during his short time in the military, including the Bronze Star with Valor Device, two Purple Hearts, Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device and oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Afghan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with arrowhead device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. His other awards include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist Badge with bronze service star, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge and the Ranger Tab.
Holbrook lost his life from complications after an off-roading accident in 2014 at the age of 32. He had served in the Army for 12 years. His family and friends created the Christopher David Holbrook Army ROTC Memorial Scholarship in his honor and memory.
About the Army ROTC Hall of Fame
The ROTC Hall of Fame was established in 2016 as part of the ROTC Centennial celebration. The first class (2016) inducted 326 former ROTC Cadets who had distinguished themselves in their military or civilian career.
The Hall of Fame honors graduates of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps who have distinguished themselves in military or civilian pursuits. It provides a prestigious and tangible means of recognizing and honoring Army ROTC Alumni who have made lasting, significant contributions to the Nation, the Army and the history and traditions of the Army ROTC Program.
Read more about the 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees.
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