[2] On that day, while the North Dakota was conducting tests using oil as fuel, an explosion occurred, killing three sailors and endangering the ship.

After ensuring the safety of the ship, they then searched for and removed the bodies of the three sailors killed in the initial explosion.

[3] For these actions, Holtz and the five other men were approved for the Medal of Honor a month later, on October 4.

On 13 June 1911, President Taft presented all six heroes with their medal in a ceremony at the White House.

North Dakota, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the fire on board that vessel, 8 September 1910.