Bruno Arthur Hochmuth
Major General, U.S. Marine Corps

Bruno Arthur Hochmuth was born on 10 May 1911 in Houston, TX. He graduated from high school in 1930 and then graduated in 1935 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education from Texas A&M. He was commissioned as a U.S. Marine Corps Second Lieutenant in July 1935, upon resigning a U.S. Army Reserve commission.

After completing The Basic School at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, he joined the Marine Detachment at the Texas Centennial in Dallas, TX, in June 1936. In December 1936, he was transferred to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines in San Diego, CA. 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. He remained with the 4th Marines in China until 1940.

Upon his return to the U.S., Hochmuth was attached to the 7th Defense Battalion in September 1940. In February 1941, he embarked with the 7th Defense Battalion to American and British Samoa. He was promoted to Major in May 1942. He remained in the Pacific Theater for two years, returning to the U.S. in March 1943, where he was assigned to the Antiaircraft Artillery School at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC, until June 1943. From June-May 1944, he served as Assistant Director, Command and Staff School, Quantico, VA, prior to embarking again for the Pacific Theatre.

In May 1944, Major Hochmuth deployed again as Assistant Operations Officer for the III Marine Amphibious Corps and participated in the Battle of Saipan and Battle of Tinian. He then commanded 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines during the Battle of Okinawa. Following the surrender of Japan, he was Executive Officer of the 4th Marine Regiment when they landed in Japan on 29 August 1945. On 2 September, he attended the formal surrender ceremony at Yokosuka. He then commanded the Marine Barracks at Yokosuka for almost two years.

Returning to the U.S. in August 1947, he served at Headquarters Marine Corps for three years, then entered the Industrial College at Fort McNair in Washington, DC. He graduated in June 1951, and returned to Camp Lejeune as Commanding Officer, 2nd Marines. In July 1952, he was named G-1 Officer, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in August 1947 with rank from October 1942, and to Colonel in January 1951.

Ordered to Kingston, Ontario, in September 1953, he served as Instructor, Canadian Army Staff College, for two years. He again went to the Far East in August 1955 and served as G-4 Officer, 3rd Marine Division, Japan and Okinawa. In August 1956, Colonel Hochmuth was assigned to Marine Corps Base Quantico as a member of the Advanced Research Group, Marine Corps Educational Center.

In July 1957, he was transferred to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and served as Chief of Staff through October 1959. While stationed in San Diego, he was promoted to Brigadier General in November 1959 and served briefly thereafter as Commanding General of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and, later, as Commanding General of the Recruit Training Command.

In January 1960, 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.

From 19 March - 14 November 1967, Hochmuth served as Commanding General, 3rd 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.

At the time of his death, Major General Hochmuth was the most senior U.S. military officer to be killed in the Vietnam war.

Medals and Awards

Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2 Awards)
Legion of Merit with Combat "Valor" Device
Navy Commendation Medal (2 Awards)
Purple Heart (2 Awards)
Navy Presidential Unit Citation (2 Awards)
China Service Medal
American Defense Service Medal with Base Clasp
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 Service Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia Clasp
National Defense Service Medal with 1 Service Star
Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Service Star
National Order of Vietnam 5th Class
Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Honors

Hochmuth Hall, MCIA Headquarters building at Marine Corps Base Quantico is named in Honor of Major General Hochmuth.

Hochmuth's name is inscribed on Panel 29E, Line 095 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

Death and Burial

Major General Bruno Arthur Hochmuth was killed on 14 November 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. He is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA.