World War II Honoree

Leon H. Otto

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Susanville, California

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Staff Sergeant. On September 25, 1942, he entered the United States Army with his induction at Sacramento, California. Completed his Ranger combat infantry training at Camp Forrest, Tennessee. The rangers trained with the British Commandos after their deployment to England in preparation for the impending invasion, D-Day, June 6, 1944. Served as a Squad Leader in Company-E Second Ranger Battalion, attached to the 116th Infantry Regiment, and a subordinate unit of the Twenty-Ninth Infantry Division. The mission of the Second Rangers was to scale the 100-foot cliffs, capture Pointe-du-Hoc, seize and neutralize a battery of German 155mm artillery cannons. The field guns were posing a threat to the U.S. forces on Omaha and Utah beaches. Killed in action Wednesday, June 7, 1944 during the ensuing battle and buried in the Saint Laurent battlefield cemetery Baveux, France. After the cessation of hostilities in Europe, the family of this Soldier received his remains for burial. He was laid to rest December 18, 1947 at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California. The Ranger Monument located on a cliff, overlooking Omaha Beach was erected by the French citizens to honor the Second Ranger Battalion for their participation in the D-Day invasion. The memorial honors all members for their extreme bravery, and sacrifices in the Battle of Pointe-du-Hoc. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.