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First Name: Clifton

Last Name: Speicher

Birthplace: Gray, PA, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Army (1784 - present)



Home of Record: Gray, PA
Middle Name: T.



Date of Birth: 25 March 1931

Date of Death: 14 June 1952

Rank: Corporal

Years Served: 1951 - 1952
Clifton T. Speicher

   
Engagements:
•  Korean War (1950 - 1953)

Biography:

Clifton T. Speicher
Corporal, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

Clifton T. Speicher was born on 25 March 1931, in Gray, PA. Speicher later joined the U.S. Army from that city. On 14 June 1952, he was serving in Korea as a Corporal in Company F of the 223rd Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. On that day, during an attack against a hostile position near Minarigol, his squad came under intense small-arms, mortar, and machine gun fire. Although wounded, Speicher charged the machine gun nest and killed the occupants with his rifle and bayonet. He was wounded again during his approach and died shortly after silencing the emplacement. For these actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor a year later on 19 August 1953.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company F, 223rd Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Minarigol, Korea, 14 June 1952

Citation:

Cpl. Speicher distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. While participating in an assault to secure a key terrain feature, Cpl. Speicher's squad was pinned down by withering small-arms, mortar, and machine gun fire. Although already wounded he left the comparative safety of his position, and made a daring charge against the machine gun emplacement. Within 10 yards of the goal, he was again wounded by small-arms fire but continued on, entered the bunker, killed 2 hostile soldiers with his rifle, a third with his bayonet, and silenced the machine gun. Inspired by this incredible display of valor, the men quickly moved up and completed the mission. Dazed and shaken, he walked to the foot of the hill where he collapsed and died. Cpl. Speicher's consummate sacrifice and unflinching devotion to duty reflect lasting glory upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service.

Other Medals

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Speicher was awarded the Purple Heart.

Death and Burial

Corporal Clifton T. Speicher, age 21, was killed in action on 14 June 1952. He is buried at Beam German Reformed Church Cemetery in Jennerstown, Somerset County, PA.



Honoree ID: 1241   Created by: MHOH

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