Col. Herman W. Dammer (Ret.)

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2nd Bn. Commander 1950-51, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart; Served 1935-1965 (35 yrs.) (Deceased 1997)

Article:

COL. HERMAN W. DAMMER (RET.) served as 2nd Battalion Commander from Sept. 1950-April 1951 where he received a Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.  He also received a Silver Star during his distinguished career as a Ranger in World War II and was inducted in the Ranger Hall of Fame. Deceased 3/17/1997.

SILVER STAR CITATION 

LIEUTENANT COLONEL HERMAN W. DAMMER, 030634,Infantry, Battalion Commander, 2nd Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 19 February 1951, near Kodong-ni, Korea, the 2nd Battalion, 65th Infantry, was attacking well defended enemy positions. During the six hour attack on the heavily defended, steep mountain, Colonel DAMMER on numerous occasions, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to enemy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar, and artillery fire. Assuming a position with the leading rifle company in the attack, he effectively coordinated the fire and maneuver of his entire command. On one occasion, exposing himself to a heavy mortar and artillery barrage, he called effective counter battery fire upon the enemy positions. Colonel DAMMER’S gallantry, outstanding leadership, and aggressive actions were an inspiration to the officers and men whom he led and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

Entered the military service from the State of New York. 
GENERAL ORDERS # 123 – 6 May 1951

OBITUARY:

HERMAN DAMMER Army Colonel

Herman Dammer, 86, who retired as an Army colonel in 1966 and later taught math at Fairfax County middle schools, died March 17, 1997 at Arlington Hospital of complications following kidney surgery.  Col. Dammer, a native of Staten Island, N.Y., joined the Army National Guard in 1931 and was activated during World War II. He participated in the Allied invasions of Northern Africa and Italy and saw combat again during the Korean War. He was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service.  He was stationed a number of posts across the country and in Germany before joining the Pentagon in 1959. He served there in various staff positions until his retirement.  He then began teaching math and continued to work in the Fairfax County schools until 1975.  He was treasurer of Chesterbrook United Methodist Church in McLean and the McLean American Legion and secretary of the American Rangers Association. A woodworker, he annually donated toys he made to Share Inc.  His wife of 49 years, Elizabeth Dammer died in 1991.  Survivors include three children, Herman Dammer Jr., of East Northport, N.Y., Karen Galeano of Ashburn, Va., and Anton Dammer of McLean; a brother; a sister; and four grandchildren.   Copied from http://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1997/03/20/obituaries/b03b7060-0b99-4ea7-b379-f07b1be37e39/

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