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.