Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    223d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    40th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 14, 1952

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 65 (August 19, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Corporal Clifton T. Speicher (ASN: 13382654), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company F, 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Minarigol, Korea, on 14 June 1952. While participating in an assault to secure a key terrain feature, Corporal Speicher’s squad was pinned down by withering small-arms mortar, and machinegun fire. Although already wounded he left the comparative safety of his position, and made a daring charge against the machinegun emplacement. Within ten yards of the goal, he was again wounded by small-arms fire but continued on, entered the bunker, killed two hostile soldiers with his rifle, a third with his bayonet, and silenced the machinegun. Inspired by this incredible display of valor, the men quickly moved up and completed the mission. Dazed and shaken, he walked to the foot of the hill where he collapsed and died. Corporal Speicher’s consummate sacrifice and unflinching devotion to duty reflect lasting glory upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service.