Lieutenant Colonel Edward V. Holton
Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines
Lieutenant Colonel Holton is a native of Long Island, New York. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2003 with a BS in economics and The Basic School the following year. He was assigned to Company C, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, 22 Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable and served as the Company Fire Support Team Leader. In November 2005, he deployed with Company C to Hit, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).
In August 2006, he was selected as the Aide-de-Camp, Assistant Division Commander, 2d Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). In January 2007, First Lieutenant Holton deployed as the Aide-de-Camp, Ground Combat Element Commander, II MEF (Fwd) to Fallujah, Iraq in support of OIF.
In July 2007, Captain Holton was assigned as Commander, Company C, Task Force, 1st Battalion, 2d Marines in Albu Hyatt, Iraq in support of OIF. He returned to the U.S. in September 2007 and deployed again in July 2008 in the same billet to Sahl Sinjar Province, Iraq in support of OIF. Captain Holton returned in February 2009 and was assigned as Battalion Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 2d Marines.
In July 2009, he attended the Maneuver Captains Career Course in Fort Benning, GA. Upon graduation Captain Holton reported to Instructor Training Company, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry–East (SOI-E) for duty as Executive Officer. In May 2011, he was appointed as the Director of Combat Instructor School, SOI-E and served in that billet until April 2012. During his time at SOI-E he completed the Marine Corps Command and Staff Distance Education Course.
In May 2012, he was selected as an Olmsted Scholar as part of the Commandant’s Career Level Education Board and attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA earning an Associate of Arts degree in Italian. In January 2013, he reported to the University of Bologna, Italy. In July 2015, Major Holton successfully completed his tour earning a Master of Arts degree in International Relations with a focus in Strategy and International Conflict.
In July 2015, Major Holton reported to 2d Battalion, 7th Marines for duty as Battalion Executive Officer. In March 2016, he deployed with the Ground Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, in direct support of Operation Inherent Resolve. In December 2016, Major Holton returned and assumed duties as the 7th Marines Regimental Executive Officer.
In June 2017, he reported to Manpower Management Officer Assignments (MMOA), Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Quantico, VA where he served as the Combat Arms Majors Monitor. In June 2019, he assumed duties as Section Head, MMOA-3 Plans and Programs.
In January 2020, he assumed command of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines in Twentynine Palms, CA.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (with one Gold Star in lieu of second award), Navy Commendation Medal (with one Gold Star in lieu of second award), Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.