Clifton T. Speicher

Twice wounded, he charged a bunker to clear his squad's path

Clifton T. Speicher earned the Medal of Honor near Minarigol, Korea, on 14 June 1952. A corporal with Company F, 223rd Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division, he broke the resistance that had stopped his squad's assault on an important hill.

Born in Gray, Pennsylvania, on 25 March 1931, Speicher served in the United States Army during the Korean War. His award was accredited to his hometown. Further details of his childhood and enlistment have not been established in the authoritative award record.

Already wounded when his squad came under heavy fire, Speicher advanced alone toward a machine-gun bunker. Another wound failed to stop him. He entered the position and silenced the weapon, enabling his squad to complete its mission. He descended the hill but collapsed and died that day.

Under Secretary of the Army Earl D. Johnson presented the posthumous Medal of Honor to Speicher's father at the Pentagon on 5 August 1953. Speicher is buried in Beam Cemetery at Jennerstown, Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor was recorded in General Orders No. 65, dated 19 August 1953. His award recognizes a final assault that made his squad's advance possible.

Medal of Honor 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 two 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.