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 Captain (Infantry), [then Staff Sergeant] Herman Johann Friedrich Bottcher (ASN: 0-888451), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company H, 2d Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during the period 5 to 11 December 1942, in the vicinity of Buna, New Guinea. During an attack on enemy positions, Captain Bottcher personally led a unit which cut off communications between enemy forces at Buna Village from headquarters at Buna government station. On succeeding days, he repeatedly repulsed enemy counterattacks on this vital position. During one simultaneous attack from both hostile forces, he calmly stood up in the face of enemy fire and threw hand grenades at the advancing enemy. Although wounded in this action, he remained with his unit until it was relieved. His outstanding leadership and personal heroism repeatedly inspired his men and was primarily responsible for the success of the defense. Captain Bottcher’s heroic actions and gallant leadership exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Herman Johann Friedrich Bottcher (ASN: 0-888451), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company H, 2d Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Buna, New Guinea, on 20 December 1942. Although wounded the previous day, Captain Bottcher volunteered to lead a detachment of infantry in an attack on an enemy strong-point in terrain with which he was familiar. He carefully prepared the men for the attack, and encouraged them by his own example to advance within twenty yards of the emplacements. When the patrol was held up by small arms fire in this advance position, he stood up without regard for his own safety and drew the enemy fire so that the patrol could move to another area. He was again wounded during this action. Captain Bottcher’s outstanding courage and leadership were an inspiration to the men under his command, and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.