General Quarters

I’m wanting to add in more USMC stuff, since the dogs have always received the short shrift.

While looking for stuff on the Corps’ site, I see a link for General Officer bios. Deceased General Officers. OK.

So, I’m scanning the list, and I see an Aggie on there - Bruno Hochmuth. We at A&M named our Outstanding Military Unit award after him, so there’s instant interest. (Pic of my old unit wining it here - the marroon flag)

Anyhow, allow me to introduce you all to MG Bruno Hochmuth, USMC.

Low Res Image here

Hi Res Image here

Bruno Arthur Hochmuth was born 10 May 1911, in Houston, Texas, and completed high school there in 1930. In June 1935, he was graduated from Texas A&M College, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education. He was commissioned a Marine second lieutenant in July 1935, upon resigning a U.S. Army Reserve commission.

After completing Basic School at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, he joined the Marine Detachment at the Texas Centennial, Dallas, Texas, in June 1936. In December 1936, he was transferred to the 2d Battalion, 6th Marines in San Diego, California. Departing for Shanghai, China, in August 1937, he served briefly with the 6th Marines, then served two and a half years duty with the 4th Marines. While overseas, he was promoted to first lieutenant in July 1938. Upon his return to the United States, Lieutenant Hochmuth was attached to the 7th Defense Battalion in September 1940. The following February, he embarked with the battalion for American and British Samoa. He was promoted to major in May 1942.
.
.
.
.
In January 1960, General Hochmuth reported to Headquarters Marine Corps, where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Research and Development). While serving in this capacity, he was promoted to major general in August 1963. That November, he returned to the West Coast and assumed duty as Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. For meritorious achievement from November 1963 to February 1967, General Hochmuth was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Commendation Medal.

From 19 March to 14 November 1967, General Hochmuth served as Commanding General, 3d Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. While involved in an inspection tour on 14 November he was killed when the helicopter, in which he was riding, exploded in mid-air and crashed. For service during this period, he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

General Hochmuth was buried with full military honors at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California, on 18 November 1967.

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 1st, 2006 at 11:49 pm and is filed under Marines, History. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.