26 Facts About Herman Bottcher

Herman Bottcher's daring attack turned the tide of the Buna advance by separating the enemy-held Buna Mission from the Buna village.

Herman Bottcher was born in Landsberg, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire.

Herman Bottcher was orphaned at an early age: his mother died while he was a toddler and his father was killed during World War I Herman Bottcher was raised by his father's brother, George Bottcher.

Herman Bottcher trained as a cabinetmaker and carpenter and studied architecture in Germany before immigrating to Australia following his uncle.

In 1931, Herman Bottcher emigrated to the United States via Australia and lived in San Francisco.

At some point and possibly prior to his entry to the United States, Herman Bottcher became active in the labor movement and socialist politics.

In 1937, Herman Bottcher interrupted his college studies to fight in the Spanish Civil War, which pitted the pro-Republican loyalists against a nationalist coalition led by General Francisco Franco.

Herman Bottcher served in a variety of locations and capacities throughout his time in Spain and was elevated to the rank of comisario, or Captain in the summer of 1938.

In March 1939, when Spanish Prime Minister Juan Negrin ordered the withdrawal of the International Brigades, Herman Bottcher, who had received three Spanish military decorations, including the Spanish Medal of Valour, returned to San Francisco, and continued his college education in sociology.

The day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Herman Bottcher reported to his local draft board in San Francisco, where he lived at 239 Ramsell Street, to volunteer for service.

Herman Bottcher eventually enlisted in the US Army at the Presidio of Monterey on January 5,1942, less than one month after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The 32nd's Divisional Headquarters and two regimental combat teams formed around the 126th and 128th Infantry Regiments, including Herman Bottcher, were deployed to Port Moresby between September 15 and 29,1942.

Herman Bottcher, promoted to staff sergeant, was appointed as platoon commander of "H" Company of the 126th Infantry Regiment.

On December 5,1942, when "H" Company and sister units were pinned down by enemy fire, Herman Bottcher took the initiative and led a 31-strong detachment forward against the attacking force.

Herman Bottcher stood up and threw hand grenades at the enemy knocking out several pillboxes en route and was able to drive a wedge between Buna beach and Buna village.

Herman Bottcher's break-through completed the isolation of Buna village and is considered to be a turning point of the battle.

The American, Herman Bottcher, led twelve volunteers into the Japanese positions, built fortifications on the beach.

Constantly under fire, Herman Bottcher provided a diversion that resulted in Allied victory.

Herman Bottcher was awarded the battlefield commission of Captain and his first Distinguished Service Cross.

Herman Bottcher was wounded twice and awarded a second DSC for his actions.

Herman Bottcher was sent to Australia, for treatment of his three wounds.

In June 1943, Herman Bottcher returned to the 32nd Division and was assigned to Company "A" of the 127th Regiment and participated in the Saidor invasion and Aitape campaigns in New Guinea as part of the greater Operation Cartwheel.

In June 1944, Herman Bottcher was assigned as commanding officer to the new 32nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop.

Herman Bottcher clearly contemplates Bottcher's sacrifice as his eyes are closed.

Rossen and Herman Bottcher served together in the Abraham Lincoln Brigade during the Spanish Civil War.

Herman Bottcher was one of the best Americans I have ever known.