News Summary
The post office at 333 W. Broadway in Anaheim has been renamed the Dr. William Kott Post Office, honoring a World War II veteran and community leader. The dedication ceremony, attended by U.S. Representative Lou Correa, marks a significant tribute to Kott’s military service and local contributions. He is remembered for his role in the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp and as a dedicated dentist and community servant. The Kott family’s appreciation for this honor reinforces the legacy of a man who served both his country and his community with great integrity.
Anaheim – The post office at 333 W. Broadway in Anaheim has officially been renamed the Dr. William Kott Post Office, in honor of a decorated World War II veteran and dedicated community servant. The dedication ceremony, which took place on September 12, 2024, was attended by U.S. Representative Lou Correa, who spearheaded the effort to rename the facility. This significant honor was made possible after President Joe Biden signed the legislation to rename the post office earlier this year.
Dr. William Kott, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 97, is remembered for his remarkable contributions both in military service and in the community. Kott served valiantly as a combat soldier during the Battle of the Bulge as part of General George Patton’s 3rd Army, where he earned numerous accolades for his bravery, including two Bronze Battle Stars, the European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Kott played a pivotal role in history by participating in the liberation of Buchenwald concentration camp, an event that holds profound historical significance.
After the war, Kott transitioned into civilian life, settling in California where he pursued a career in dentistry. Initially operating as a general dentist in Anaheim for 17 years, he later enhanced his education at the University of the Pacific’s dental school in San Francisco, earning a degree in maxillofacial surgery. Displaying remarkable dedication to education, Kott attended medical school at age 60 and continued practicing medicine until he was 89 years old.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kott was actively involved in local politics, having served a term on the Anaheim City Council and participating in the Republican Party. In addition, he was known for his strong parenting style and instilled a rigorous work ethic in his children. His family has noted that despite his tremendous military career, Kott rarely discussed his wartime experiences, as they were often too traumatic for him to elaborate on.
William Kott was born on April 17, 1922, in Philadelphia to Prussian immigrant parents. His life was shaped by difficult times; he worked as a stock boy during the Great Depression before enlisting in the Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Kott’s academic journey continued post-war, as he attended both Compton College and the University of Southern California, culminating in a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
Throughout his life, Kott’s influence extended beyond medicine into community service. He was known for his political involvement, which included hosting a fundraising event for former President Ronald Reagan in 1965. His contributions and unwavering commitment to serving his community have left an indelible mark on Anaheim.
The Kott family has expressed deep appreciation for the post office’s renaming as a fitting tribute to a man they describe as a patriot and an individual of great integrity. A ceremony to unveil the official signage at the Dr. William Kott Post Office is planned for next year, ensuring that Kott’s legacy will be honored in the community he served for so many years.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Anaheim Post Office Named after WWII Veteran Dr. William Kott
- LA Times: Anaheim Post Office to be Named After WWII Hero Dr. William Kott
- OC Register: Anaheim Post Office Honors WWII Veteran William Kott
- Wikipedia: World War II
- OC Register: William Kott Obituary
- Google Search: WWII Veterans
