Young County historian receives honorary naval award

It’s not everyday a civilian is appointed to an official position of a state’s navy, but that’s what happened when Young County historian Dorman Holub was commissioned an honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy.

At a commissioners court meeting Tuesday, May 28, Holub was presented an official certificate and state seal for his efforts in preserving and promoting the “historic character and heroic acts of the Texas Navy.”

Although Texas is largely a landlocked state, there was a time when the state deployed an official navy. In 1836, as Texas declared independence from Mexico, the first Texas Navy came about to help the Republic fight on the Gulf of Mexico waters. 
Texas acquired four ships which made up the small navy, and their mission was to block supplies to the Mexican Army while keeping Texas’s supply lines open from nearby New Orleans, La. 

The efforts of the Texas Navy made a difference in the victory at San Jacinto and contributed to the Republic’s victory over Mexico. By 1845, however, the Texas Navy was absorbed into the U.S. Navy. 

The current mission of the Texas Navy was brought back by governor proclamation in 1958. The Admiral of the Texas Navy is awarded to individuals who exhibit the qualities of promoting the character and acts of the Texas Navy and is based on exceptional community service.

“It is the highest award that the governor can present to a civilian,” said Anne Street, who presented the award to Holub at the meeting.

During the presentation of the award, Street read a citation that was written by Gov. Greg Abbott regarding Holub’s achievement.

“Know ye, that Dorman Lee Holub is hereby commissioned an honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy with all rights and privileges appertaining thereto and with the duty of assisting in the preservation of the history, boundaries, water resources and defense of the State. In testimony, whereof, I have signed my name and caused the Seal of the State of Texas to be affixed at the City of Austin, this 30th day of April 2024.”

Holub shared his appreciation for the award and the recognition, and he stated he was almost late to the meeting because he was busy answering someone’s question about another piece of county history.

The commissioners and other citizens present congratulated Holub on his accomplishments and Street shared how thankful she was for what he brings to the community.

“We appreciate you Dorman, I want you to know how important you are to our community, to me personally, but also to our community and our county. You make a big difference,” she said.