Reginald Otto
South African military commander (1943–2022)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lieutenant General Reginald Otto SD & Bar SM MMM (9 July 1943[1] – 5 July 2022[2]) was a South African military commander, who held the post of Chief of the South African Army.[3]
Reginald Otto | |
|---|---|
| |
| Nickname | Reg |
| Born | 9 July 1943 |
| Died | July 5, 2022 (aged 78) |
| Allegiance |  South Africa |
| Branch |  South African Army |
| Service years | 1964–1998 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands |
|
| Awards |             |
| Relations | 'Kowie' Jacoba Otto (nee Kleynhans) |
Military career
He joined the South African Army in 1964 after completing his schooling at Trumpsburg High School.[2] After Officer training at the Army Gymnasium he was appointed a 2nd lieutenant in 1 Special Service Battalion. He became Officer Commanding of 1 Special Service Battalion in January 1976. He also commanded the School of Armour from 11 January 1981 to 18 December 1983.[4]
He was promoted to Brigadier and OC Orange Free State Command.[5] He was later promoted to Major general and GOC Eastern Transvaal Command.[6]
Awards and decorations
General Otto was awarded the following:
Southern Cross Decoration (SD & Bar) 
Southern Cross Medal (1975) (SM) 
Military Merit Medal (MMM) 
Pro Patria Medal (South Africa) (with Cunene Clasp) [a] 
Southern Africa Medal 
General Service Medal (South Africa) 
Unitas (Unity) Medal 
Good Service Medal (Gold (30 Years)) 
Good Service Medal (Silver (20 Years)) 
Good Service Medal (Bronze (10 Years)) 
Legion of Merit (Commander) (LOM) (USA) 
Order of the Cloud and Banner (4th Grade - with Special Cravat) (ORB) (Taiwan)
See also
Notes
- Only the Cunene clasp was awarded, to members who served in Angola during Operation Savannah in 1975 and 1976. Recipients of the clasp wear a button, with the letter C encircled by a wreath, on the ribbon bar.
