Ottmar Hebel

Ottmar John Hebel was born December 12, 1904, in Kreimbach, Germany, the son of Magdalene Hebel. He emigrated to the United States November 25, 1925, traveling on the SS Munchen Ottmar lived in Lima, Ohio, and married Nellie Irene Brogan on March 11, 1930. They had a son, Harold in 1930, and were divorced in 1931. The 1930 census shows the couple living in Dayton, Ohio, where Ottmar (John O.) worked as a machine molder in an iron foundry. He enlisted in the Army December 1, 1942, while living in New York City. In 1943 he petitioned for naturalization while residing at the 5th Convalescent Hospital at Ft. McPherson, Georgia. At that time he described himself as, “5’5”, 134 pounds, brown eyes, black/gray hair.” The Lima News of February 18, 1944 mentions that he has been promoted to technician fifth grade, and that he was stationed at Camp Ellis, Illinois. Ottmar Hebel died November 5, 1983, aged 80, at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City. He was buried on Hart Island. Sources: U.S. Social Security Death Index; The Lima News; 1930 U.S. Federal Census; New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957; Georgia Naturalization Records, 1793-1991; U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946.