Here are the texts of Lieutenant Commander Sporrer’s awards of the Silver Star and Bronze Star. This fellow also got into a public dispute with Ridgeway for claiming a number of the wounded in the action he recieved the Silver Star for were malingerers from the 31st Infantry Regiment of the 7th Division. I am afraid there was truth in what the Chaplain had to say about that action.
A question was this the same person who was the long time much beloved Priest at St Nicolas Church in Orange County, Ca?
Silver Star
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Awarded for actions during the Korean War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant Commander (CC) Otto E. Sporrer (NSN: 0-215778), United States Navy, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving as Chaplain, First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action in the Yongsan area of the Naktong River, Korea, on 18 August 1950. On this date, Lieutenant Commander Sporrer, in his capacity as Catholic Chaplain visited the forward aid station of the Fifth Marines, then in attack on enemy positions of the ridges west of the Naktong River. Learning that a number of wounded were on the ridges awaiting evacuation, Lieutenant Commander Sporrer organized a litter bearing team of Korean Civilians, and, showing a high degree of courage and skill, led them through heavy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. By his leadership and example, Lieutenant Commander Sporrer encouraged the litter team to continue even after they had been pinned down by enemy fire. He then succeeded in evacuating a number of seriously wounded to the aid station. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Commander Sporrer reflects great credit on himself and the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Headquarters, VIII U.S. Army, Korea (EUSAK), General Orders No. 162 (November 8, 1950)
Action Date: August 18, 1950
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Chaplain
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 11th Marines, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
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Bronze Star
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Awarded for actions during the Korean War
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (Army Award) to Lieutenant Commander (CC) Otto E. Sporrer (NSN: 0-215778), United States Navy, for heroic achievement as a member of the First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade, on 7 August 1950 at Chindong-ni, Korea. On 7 August 1950, Lieutenant Commander Sporrer was in the vicinity of an artillery battery position which was undergoing heavy enemy counter-battery fire. The enemy scored a direct hit on a gun position causing many casualties. Without regard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Commander Sporrer voluntarily exposed himself to the heavy fire in order to assist the wounded. Heedless of the heavy fire, he administered effective first aid and assisted in evacuating the wounded to a place of safety. The heroism displayed by Lieutenant Commander Sporrer on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Headquarters, VIII U.S. Army, Korea (EUSAK), General Orders No. 72 (September 16, 1950)
Action Date: August 7, 1950
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Chaplain
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 11th Marines, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Yes it was. Before WW-II, he served and taught at St. Monica's in Santa Monica and his preaching, in those days (he was a German immigrant), was to stay out of WW-II.
It was shortly after Pearl Harbor that he became a Navy Chaplain.
Much later, at the 50th reunion of the class of 1943, the Chosin story was that he removed his insignia to take command and lead a successful retreat.
He sent a message to the class of 43 that he'd like to be at the reunion, but ... medical problems.
May he rest in peace.