17 Facts About Martin Brandtner

Martin Louis Brandtner was a highly decorated United States Marine Corps lieutenant general.

Martin Brandtner was one of just two Marines to be awarded two Navy Crosses during the Vietnam War.

Martin Brandtner majored in English at the University of Minnesota, where he earned varsity letters on the football and wrestling teams.

In July 1968, General Martin Brandtner returned to the Republic of Vietnam, where he joined the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines serving as a rifle company commander, and upon promotion to major in November 1968, as Battalion Operations Officer and Battalion Executive Officer.

Martin Brandtner is one of only two Marines to earn that distinction in the Vietnam War.

Martin Brandtner graduated with honors and earned a master's degree in International Relations from George Washington University in 1973.

General Martin Brandtner then reported to Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, DC, where he served as a Plans Officer in the Plans Division until July 1976.

From July 1977 to June 1980, General Martin Brandtner was assigned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego where he served initially as the Executive Officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion.

Martin Brandtner subsequently was assigned as the Commanding Officer, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, where he served until selected to attend the Air War College in July 1980.

Martin Brandtner was assigned duty as the Assistant Division Commander, 2d Marine Division, FMF, Atlantic, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on 1 June 1988 and advanced to brigadier general on 25 July 1988, and assigned duty as the Commanding General, 2d Force Service Support Group, FMF, Atlantic, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on 27 September 1988.

From December 1988 through February 1989, General Martin Brandtner served as the Commanding General, 10th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, at Camp Lejeune.

General Martin Brandtner was promoted to lieutenant general on 11 March 1991, and assumed duty as Director for Operations, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington.

Martin Brandtner served in this capacity until his retirement on 1 June 1993.

Quickly analyzing the situation and immediately realizing the seriousness and the danger involved, Captain Martin Brandtner disregarded his own personal safety and moved forward to an extremely exposed position in order that he could personally control the battle at hand.

General Martin Brandtner retired to Reno, Nevada and served as Development Director for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno.

Martin Brandtner sat on the Board of Directors for Bishop Manogue High School.

Martin Brandtner died on 3 January 2017, at the age of 78, in Reno, Nevada.