Joe C. Specker-Odessa, MO
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 39° 00.054 W 093° 55.404
15S E 420041 N 4317281
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action at Mount Porchia, Italy on January 7, 1944. He was killed in action. He is buried in Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, MO.
Waymark Code: WMX9Z0
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 12/14/2017
Views: 0
He was born on January 10, 1921 in Odessa, MO and died on January 7, 1944 in Italy.
His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *SPECKER, JOE C.
• Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, 48th Engineer Combat Battalion
• Place and date: At Mount Porchia, Italy, 7 January 1944
• Entered service at: Odessa, Mo.
• G.O. No.. 56, 12 July 1944
Citation: 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 reconnaissance 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.
Armed Service: Army
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