Orville Spencer grew up in Akron, Ohio, where he worked as an agent for the Prudential Life Insurance Company before entering military service during World War II. He was an Infantryman who was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. On March 1, 1945, he was serving as assistant to 414th Infantry Regiment Chaplain Clair Yohe, when he rescued wounded from the battlefield, in an action that earned both himself and his chaplain Silver Stars. A news report noted that his wife, Novella, “received a letter from the chaplain with whom her husband worked telling how Spencer helped carry wounded men a mile across a catwalk to a jeep because the bridge was out.” He returned to his wife and daughter after his war service to resume his career with Prudential Insurance Company, becoming staff manager. He was later elected president of the Northeastern Ohio Congregations of Evangelical Brethren Churchmen.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Technician Fifth GradeRegiment:
414th Infantry RegimentDivision:
104th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
March 1, 1945
Headquarters, 104th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 146 (May 21, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Orville B. Spencer (ASN: 35233361), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Assistant to a chaplain of the 414th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action in Germany, on 1 March 1945. Voluntarily and at great risk to his life, Technician Fifth Grade Spencer accompanied by two other men, crossed open, fire-swept terrain to enter a town under heavy enemy fire in search of wounded men. Working throughout the night, they administered first aid to the wounded and then began the return trip to evacuate two seriously wounded men. Carrying the seriously wounded men, Technician Fifth Grade Spencer and another man made their way back to the aid station, crossing a treacherous stream on a narrow catwalk. The gallant courage and intrepidity displayed by Technician Spencer are in keeping with the finest traditions of the American soldier and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military service.