Navy Federal Credit Union

After WWII, Herbert Brucker remained in the Army and in 1952, was recruited for Army Special Forces. He was an original member of the 10th Special Forces Group in Germany. He later served with the 77th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg. While at Fort Bragg, before the 10th Special Forces Group went to Germany, he and Captain Roger Pezzelle ordered the first batch of green berets for local use. Eventually the entire Special Forces branch adopted this beret as their distinctive headgear, earning them the popular nickname of “Green Berets.”

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Technician Third Grade]

    Division:

    Office of Strategic Services

    Action Date:

    May 27 – September 11, 1944

    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 32 (March 11, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Technician Third Grade] Herbert Brucker, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the Office of Strategic Services, in action against enemy forces from 27 May 1944 to 11 September 1944. Second Lieutenant Brucker was parachuted into France, in civilian clothing, as a radio operator and assistant to an officer engaged in the organization of resistance groups. He maintained all scheduled contact with London, arranging for the parachuting of arms and equipment, despite the constant danger by the enemy. On one occasion, he displayed great coolness and courage in killing two of the enemy and making his escape without loss of equipment. Second Lieutenant Brucker, while leading his men in the liberation of Vendone, affected the capture of an enemy radio-locating station. Second Lieutenant Brucker’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.