Specialist Duane Writner Hollen Jr, A Soldier's Story
Specialist Duane Writner Hollen Jr, A Soldier's Story
Specialist Duane Writner Hollen Jr. was born on November 28, 1966, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Raised in the Bellwood area, he graduated from Bellwood-Antis High School before beginning a life that balanced civilian employment with military service.
In May 1987, Hollen enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. He trained as a traffic management coordinator, a logistical specialty responsible for helping military personnel, equipment, and supplies reach their destinations efficiently. He was assigned to the 477th Transportation Company.
Outside the military, Hollen worked for Commercial Envelope Manufacturing Company in Altoona. Like many reservists, he maintained an ordinary civilian life while remaining prepared to answer when his country called.
That call came during the Persian Gulf crisis. Following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, the United States deployed military forces to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield. The defensive deployment later transitioned into Operation Desert Storm, the combat campaign to liberate Kuwait.
Specialist Hollen deployed to Saudi Arabia in February 1991. He was only 24 years old and had recently arrived in the Persian Gulf when tragedy struck.
On the evening of February 25, 1991, an Iraqi Scud missile struck a temporary American barracks in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The building housed soldiers supporting coalition operations during the Gulf War. The attack killed 28 American service members and seriously wounded 99 others, making it the deadliest single incident involving American forces during Operation Desert Storm.
Specialist Duane Writner Hollen Jr. was among those killed. His fellow soldiers from the 477th Transportation Company also suffered heavily in the attack. He died only days after arriving in Saudi Arabia, before he had the opportunity to fully begin the mission for which he had deployed.
Hollen was returned home to Pennsylvania and laid to rest at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery near Glasgow. His name was later included among the fallen honored at the Blair County Veterans Memorial in Altoona, ensuring that his service and sacrifice remain part of his community’s history.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
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