Herman Bottcher - Spanish Civil War

Spanish Civil War

In 1936, Bottcher dropped his college studies to fight in the Spanish Civil War, which pitted the pro-Republican loyalists against a nationalist coalition led (among others) by General Francisco Franco. The nationalists received support from Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. Bottcher joined the pro-Republican Abraham Lincoln Brigade and was assigned with the rank of Captain to the Abraham Lincoln Brigade and during the 35 months that he served he was wounded twice, once in the Battle of Madrid and once at Aragon. Spanish prime minister Juan Negrín ordered the withdrawal of the International Brigades and on September 24, 1938, the Abraham Lincoln Brigade was replaced by Spanish loyalist troops. Bottcher, who was then a Major with three Spanish military decorations which included the Spanish Medal of Valour, and the rest of the men of the Brigade were sent home. Bottcher, returned home to San Francisco and continued his college education in architecture. Bottcher's citizenship request was denied by the United States government because of his involvement in the Spanish Civil War.

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