Herbert Frank Batcheller was a dedicated paratrooper, commander, and leader in the United States Army during World War II. His military career was defined by his courage, strategic leadership, and ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield.
Born on July 22, 1909, in Hillyard, Spokane County, Washington, USA, Batcheller was the son of Herbert Milo Batcheller (1881-1973) and Mabel Pauline Peterson Batcheller (1891-1972). He had a sister named Grace Luella Batcheller.
He attended schools in Kalispell and Great Falls, Montana, before enrolling at the University of Washington in 1929, where he studied engineering. In 1931, he was appointed to West Point, graduating in 1935.
On July 28, 1935, he married Sylvia Gardner in Boise, Idaho, and together they had two sons:
- Herbert Batcheller Jr., born on July 20, 1937, in Santurce, Puerto Rico.
- William Angus Batcheller, born on August 28, 1939, at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Batcheller initially served in the 16th Infantry Regiment, later transferring to the 65th Infantry Regiment in Puerto Rico, where he contributed to mapping efforts and obtained his private pilot’s license. A saddle in the hills south of Cayey was named in his honor for his contributions to military cartography.
In 1942, despite suffering from a broken coccyx due to a motorcycle accident, he successfully completed parachute training at Fort Benning, Georgia, earning his paratrooper qualification on May 2, 1942.
Batcheller became the executive officer of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, known as The Black Panther Regiment, and made his first combat jump on July 9, 1943, during the invasion of Sicily—the first night combat jump in U.S. military history.
The 82nd Airborne Division, including the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, was tasked with conducting the first night combat jump in U.S. military history. Their mission was to:
- Disrupt enemy defenses and prevent reinforcements from reaching the beaches.
- Secure key positions to support the Allied landings.
- Engage German and Italian forces in airborne assaults.
Due to navigation errors and strong winds, many paratroopers were scattered across the island, landing far from their intended drop zones. Despite the chaos, Batcheller and his men regrouped and engaged in fierce combat, securing vital positions that allowed the Allied forces to advance inland.
Following the success in Sicily, Batcheller became the acting commanding officer of the 505th PIR, leading his troops through the Italian campaign before being appointed commander of the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in preparation for D-Day.
On June 6, 1944, Batcheller parachuted into Normandy, France, near Sainte-Mère-Église. He fought valiantly but was critically wounded during combat and succumbed to his injuries on June 7, 1944, at the age of 34. He was one of only two battalion commanders in the 508th PIR killed during the invasion.
For his heroism and leadership, Batcheller received:
- The British Distinguished Service Order
- The French War Cross with Palm
- The Purple Heart
- The Combat Infantryman Badge
- The Paratrooper Badge
- The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
- The American Campaign Medal
- The World War II Victory Medal
Batcheller is buried at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, at Plot G, Row 28, Grave 15. His legacy remains a testament to the bravery of the 82nd Airborne Division and the sacrifices made by American paratroopers in World War II.