The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Claude J. Speenburgh (ASN: 32294364), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, at Assi ben Obba, Algeria, 8 November 1942. During the Oran offensive, Private Speenburgh volunteered for duty to determine the effect of mortar fire of Company M, 16th Infantry Regiment, on enemy battery positions. On this mission, while under heavy enemy fire, Private Speenburgh went to the aid of his officer who was wounded, and, after assisting this officer to a place of safety, he himself fell mortally wounded. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.