John Holmes Trescot was born on July 16, 1893, in Pendleton, South Carolina. Trescot was a career army officer, serving along the Mexican-American border during the border crisis of 1916, World War I, and World War II. During World War I, he served with the 105th Engineers and took park in the successful campaign to break the Hindenburg Line. In World War II, he served with the 121st Engineers and then as the commander of the 175th Engineers. With the 175th, Trescot saw combat in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. His commendations include the Legion of Merit, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and the Victoria Cross (Italy). He retired in 1953 after 33 years of service. He died in Charlotte on January 15, 1958.