Col Eddy Holton grew up in Long Island, New York and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2003 earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
He served with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) during its 2005 combat deployment to Hit, Iraq. He commanded a rifle company in 1st Battalion, 2d Marines during combat in Albu Hyatt, Husaybah, and Sal Sinjar in 2007 and 2008. He commanded 1st Battalion, 7th Marines supporting humanitarian relief efforts in 2020 for the USNS Mercy, and during its 2021 rotational deployment to Darwin, Australia.
Col Holton’s staff assignments include aide-de-camp to the Ground Combat Element Commander, II MEF, Fallujah, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Executive Officer for 2d Battalion, 7th Marines in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, service as Executive Officer for both 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and 7th Marine Regiment, and Executive Secretary Military Assistant in the immediate Office of the Secretary of Defense.
His supporting establishment assignments include company Executive Officer at Advanced Infantry Training Battalion East, Director of Combat Instructor School at the School of Infantry East, Combat Arms Field Grade Monitor and Section Head, Plans and Programs at Manpower Management Officer Assignments.
Col Holton is a graduate of the Army Maneuver Infantry Captain's Career Course, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, the University of Bologna, Italy where he earned a Master of Arts in International Relations Strategy and International Conflict as an Olmsted Scholar, the Ground Combat Commander's Course, the Commandant’s Combined Commandership Course, and the Marine Corps War College where he earned a Master of Strategic Studies and was the recipient of the Foreign Area Officer Award for International Affairs.
His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (third award), Navy Commendation Medal (second award), Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He was also the recipient of the 2009 General John A. Lejeune Award for Inspirational Leadership while serving as a company commander in combat.