Jack Holder joined the U.S. Navy in 1940 at the age of 18. After Aviation Machinist School, He transferred to PBY Squadron VP-26 at Pearl Harbor in December, 1940. One year later he was on hand for the attack that plunged the U.S. into World War Il. He would go on to serve at Coral Sea and was part of the VP23 crew that discovered the Japanese at Midway. He also flew patrol missions over Guadalcanal. In 1943, he transferred again to San Diego where he helped form a B-24 Squadron, VB-103. After service in Newfoundland and Argentina, he transferred again to Britain, flying missions over the English Channel and the cost of France. He was honorably discharged in 1948 as a First Class Aviation Machinist Mate, and awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and five Air Medals, along with Several other decorations.