Kenneth Ned Sprecher

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Kenneth Ned Sprecher (35119398), First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 11 June 1944, in France. While his company was pinned down by intense enemy machine gun fire, First Sergeant Sprecher’s Company Commander was knocked unconscious from a mortar shell. Under the heavy enemy fire, First Sergeant Sprecher reorganized the company and personally led a bayonet charge upon the enemy thereby gaining the objective. First Sergeant Sprecher’s fearless leadership, 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 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.