In 1893, his family moved to Tustin, California, where his parents bought 30 acres (120,000 m2) of land to grow orange, walnuts and apricots.

Even though Holderman was a replacement officer for Company K, he was very well respected by the soldiers under his command due in part to his previous experience prior to the war.

[5] Initial attempts were made to reach Whittlesey and his men but all the units were met with heavy resistance and had to pull back.

[5] With not enough men able to close the distance between Whittlesey and the American lines, Holderman and his company subsequently became part of the Lost Battalion.

Though severely wounded early on in the five-day siege, Holderman continued to lead his men until finally being relieved.

He was wounded on 4, 5, and 7 October, but throughout the entire period, suffering great pain and subjected to fire of every character, he continued personally to lead and encourage the officers and men under his command with unflinching courage and with distinguished success.

43, W.D., 1918), Captain (Infantry) Nelson Miles Holderman, United States Army, is cited for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him.

His leadership and gallantry were a splendid example to his officers and men.Holderman's military decorations and awards include: After the war, Holderman rejoined the National Guard and continued to serve for many years, eventually retiring with the rank of colonel.

In the last scene of the 1962 film The Manchurian Candidate, Frank Sinatra's character reads the Medal of Honor citations for Holderman and Daniel R. Edwards.