Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Spencer S. Berger (MCSN: 0-5309), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in action against the enemy on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 1 April to 22 April 1945. During the period 1 April to 5 April as Commanding Officer of a Marine Infantry Battalion from the assault landing phase to the final seizure of the east coast in his zone of action, Lieutenant Colonel Berger commanded his units with the highest degree of professional skill. In passing through rugged and inaccurately mapped terrain which was characterized by difficult cross corridors and absence of supply routes, he vigorously eliminated scattered but stubborn enemy resistance by aggressive action assisting the advance of units on his right and left flanks. On 12 April, when one of his companies which was patrolling an extensive road-less, heavily forested, mountainous area encountered a well-concealed entrenched enemy pocket which virtually destroyed one platoon of the company, Lieutenant Colonel Berger rushed reinforcements to aid the stricken company. To gain the most complete knowledge possible to the mountainous terrain so that his forces could be best employed, he made a hazardous aerial flight over the enemy positions. Moving elements of his command post forward to the scene of action, for three successive days he employed his battalion with exceptional skill and coordinated and controlled the indirect fire of supporting tanks and tank destroyers, which because of the terrain could not give direct support until the enemy pocket was eliminated. Upon completion of this action he continued aggressive patrolling and relentlessly sought out and destroyed many small groups of enemy. By his skill in combat and determination he encouraged his troops and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Berger is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    May 2 – June 19, 1945
    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 61804 (August 17, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Spencer S. Berger (MCSN: 0-5309), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 2 May to 19 June 1945. With his Battalion operating at all times from forward observations posts in exposed area, Lieutenant Colonel Berger skillfully and courageously directed his men in combat with well-entrenched enemy forces and, despite heavy hostile small arms, mortar and artillery fire, maintained outstanding control of his troops during the assaults on Dakeshi and Kunushi Ridges. Although adverse weather made supply movement and communications extremely difficult, he succeeded in leading his Battalion to the successful completion of its missions. By his leadership and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Berger upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.