HATTO, Robert

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 having reached yet 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.