Award Military Medal Pfc. H.J. Speer, 115th Infantry Regiment (Germany)

brithm · Mar 28, 2023

Award Military Medal Pfc. Harold J. Speer, Company F, 115th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, XIII Corps (33710038)

On 27th November 1944, Company F, 115th Infantry, was leading 2nd Battalion in an attack on Kirchberg, Germany. The first platoon was assigned the left position of the company sector with the first squad protecting the company left flank. After advancing approximately 1000 yards, the first squad and the other forward elements of the company were pinned down in an open field by enemy machine gun fire from an enemy position at a range of 100 yards.

Pfc Harold J. Speer, who was protecting the left flank of the first squad, nevertheless kept on crawling to a shallow ditch which afforded a small amount of cover. Acting upon his own initiative, he crept forward until he was within 25 yards of the enemy machine gun position which kept pouring withering fire on the forward elements. With complete disregard for his own safety he then foxed his bayonet, threw a fragmentation grenade at the enemy position and charged the machine gun crew.

The enemy fired several rounds in his direction after the initial surprise of the charge. As he reached the emplacement, Pfc Speer shot the gunner and pulled the machine gun from its position. He killed the remaining four Germans with rifle and bayonet.

During this action Pfc Speer displayed courage and initiative of the highest order.
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WO 373/149/1035

IWM BU 8408 PFC Harold J. Speer, F.Co., 115th Infantry Regiment

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Award Military Medal Pfc. H.J. Speer, 115th Infantry Regiment (Germany)

brithm Senior Member

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Award Military Medal Pfc. H.J. Speer, 115th Infantry Regiment (Germany)

brithm Senior Member

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