HATTO, Robert

Registration Nr.:    S 0277
Birthday:    15.11.1929, Audun-Le-Tiche (France)
Father:    Jean-Pierre HATTO
Mother:    Anne SCHMIT
Service entry:    04.07.1947
Contingent:    2nd
Ranks:    Soldat de 2e Classe
                  Soldat de 1re Classe (1948)
                  Caporal (1950)
                  Sergent (1952)
                  Sergent-Chef (1956)
                  Adjudant (1965)
                  Adjudant-Chef (1971)
                  Adjudant-Major (1976)
Death:    17.05.1991, Liège (Belgium)

 

Becoming an orphan in 1946, Robert probably saw in the Army a surrogate family. On personal recommendation by the Minister of the Armed Forces himself, highlighting  his personal situation and potential abilities as a military serviceman, the Army granted him service entry in July 1947, despite not yet reaching the eligible minimum age. In 1948, after the end of his mandatory term, he reported back as a volunteer and later joined the second contingent. In Korea, he served as a medic, rescuing several of his brothers in arms in precarious situations. Most notably Marcel Feinen, whom Robert saved from a bunker, which had collapsed following a heavy mortar attack. For his selfless efforts, he earned praising words from the commanding officer of the battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Vivario.

Upon his return, Robert continued his military career in the Luxembourg Army. In 1953, he first spent some time at the École du Service de Santé in Louvain, Belgium, before successfully furthering his NCO career. As Sergent Infirmier, he was appointed head of the Capellen Infirmary in 1955, then of the Diekirch Infirmary in 1957. Due to a health condition, he had to take an early retirement and left the Army in 1984.

“Infirmier a un poste d’observation avancé de compagnie, quoique soumis à un violent bombardement de mortiers a participé au sauvetage d’un de ses hommes ensevelis dans la position. Par son esprit d’initiative et sa prompte intervention a contribué à sauver la vie d’un de ses camarades. A fait preuve au cours de cette action mépris complet du danger en portant secours à plusieurs hommes blessés dans les tranchées.”

Lieutenant-Colonel B.E.M. Vivario about Robert Hatto. © Historique des volontaires luxembourgeois pendant la guerre de Corée 1950-1951.