Navy Federal Credit Union

A native of Buffalo, New York, Otto Sporrer attended Saint Joseph’s college, Mt. View, California, receiving his B.A. in 1938. He then attended Saint Patrick’s Seminary, Menlo Park, California, and was ordained a Catholic priest on April 2, 1938. In 1942 he was appointed a U.S. Navy Chaplain, serving both at home and at sea posts, and in 1946 served at sea aboard the U.S.S. LEYTE. During the Korean War he served with ground units of the FIRST Marine Division, earning a Silver Star in August 1950, and then accompanying the 1st Battalion, Eleventh Marines in the ill-fated campaign at the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. He later authored a scathing report of U.S. Army actions in that battle titled “The Shame and Glory of Korea,” which garnered him praise from some, but put him at odds with the Pentagon. He retired from military service in 1965 as a Naval commander. Settling in Laguna Hills, California, he was the first pastor of Saint Nicholas, a new parish which celebrated its ground breaking for the church, rectory, and hall on December 5, 1965. He pastored there until his retirement in 1987, after 55 years of priestly service, and moved to Dana Point to enjoy his passion _ fishing.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander (CC)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    11th Marines, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1950

    Headquarters, VIII U.S. Army, Korea (EUSAK), General Orders No. 72 (September 16, 1950)

    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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander (ChC)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    11th Marines, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    August 18, 1950

    Headquarters, VIII U.S. Army, Korea (EUSAK), General Orders No. 162 (November 8, 1950)

    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 (ChC) Otto Eugene 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.