Joe C. Specker
Encyclopedia
Joe C. Specker was a United States Army
soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor
—for his actions in World War II
.
Specker joined the Army from his birth city of Odessa, Missouri
, and by January 7, 1944 was serving as a Sergeant in the 48th Engineer Combat Battalion. On that day, at Mount Porchia, Italy
, he voluntarily went forward alone to destroy an enemy machinegun emplacement. Although severely wounded during his advance, he continued on and successfully routed the enemy force before succombing to his wounds. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor six months later, on July 12, 1944.
Specker, aged 22 at his death, was buried at Odessa Cemetery in his hometown of Odessa, Missouri.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
—for his actions in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Specker joined the Army from his birth city of Odessa, Missouri
Odessa, Missouri
Odessa is a city in Lafayette County, Missouri, United States. The population was 4,818 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Odessa is located at ....
, and by January 7, 1944 was serving as a Sergeant in the 48th Engineer Combat Battalion. On that day, at Mount Porchia, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, he voluntarily went forward alone to destroy an enemy machinegun emplacement. Although severely wounded during his advance, he continued on and successfully routed the enemy force before succombing to his wounds. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor six months later, on July 12, 1944.
Specker, aged 22 at his death, was buried at Odessa Cemetery in his hometown of Odessa, Missouri.
Medal of Honor citation
Sergeant Specker's official Medal of Honor citation reads:For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in action involving actual conflict. On the night of 7 January 1944, Sgt. Specker, with his company, was advancing up the slope of Mount Porchia, Italy. He was sent forward on reconnaissanceReconnaissanceReconnaissance is the military term for exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about enemy forces or features of the environment....
and on his return he reported to his company commander the fact that there was an enemy machinegun nest and several well-placed snipers directly in the path and awaiting the company. Sgt. Specker requested and was granted permission to place 1 of his machineguns in a position near the enemy machinegun. Voluntarily and alone he made his way up the mountain with a machinegun and a box of ammunition. He was observed by the enemy as he walked along and was severely wounded by the deadly fire directed at him. Though so seriously wounded that he was unable to walk, he continued to drag himself over the jagged edges of rock and rough terrain until he reached the position at which he desired to set up his machinegun. He set up the gun so well and fired so accurately that the enemy machine-gun nest was silenced and the remainder of the snipers forced to retire, enabling his platoon to obtain their objective. Sgt. Specker was found dead at his gun. His personal bravery, self-sacrifice, and determination were an inspiration to his officers and fellow soldiers.