Harry J. Specht

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Harry J. Specht, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 289th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 9 April 1945, in Germany. Taking defensive positions in a house situated alongside a strategic road junction, Sergeant Specht and his nine men withstood the pounding of enemy 88-mm. and machine gun fire of counterattacking tanks and infantry. From close range Sergeant Specht fired one round from a bazooka, striking the lead tank in the rear setting it afire. The oncoming infantry were met by intense fire from his BAR. Enemy panzerfaust fire blew in the door bringing him face to face with an enemy soldier. Both opened fire and the enemy soldier fell to his death. Then, with rifle fire and carbine, Sergeant Specht accounted for six enemy soldiers contributing greatly in repelling the counterattack. Staff Sergeant Specht’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 75th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.