DVP Interview with Robert W. "Obie" Holmen
Photograph of Obie Holmen, Dartmouth Class of 1972
Meet Robert W. "Obie" Holmen '72
Dartmouth alumnus Robert W. "Obie" Holmen, Class of '72, served in Vietnam between 1968 and 1970. In this oral history interview, he describes his early childhood in rural Minnesota and his journey to Dartmouth, initially as part of the Class of '70. In light of personal challenges, he took a leave of absence from Dartmouth and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968. First assigned as an infantryman in Charlie Company, 3rd battalion, 8th infantry, Obie was re-assigned into the Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) unit in the 75th Infantry Battalion Rangers. Finishing his service in December 1970, he returned to Dartmouth in January 1971 and graduated as part of the Class of ‘72 with a degree in History. He went on to receive a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Minnesota, pursued a career in law, engaged in theological studies, and became a freelance writer.
I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to conduct an oral history interview with Robert W. "Obie" Holmen as part of the Dartmouth Vietnam Project. As such, I would like to dedicate this exhibition to Obie, whose oral interview greatly contributed to this exhibit.
Click here to listen to the interview and view the transcript.