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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Spencer T. Hockaday (ASN: 0-449046), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery B, 861st Field Artillery Battalion, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 25 February 1945, in the vicinity of Auermacher, Germany. Lieutenant Hockaday remained in his position as forward observer after direct enemy artillery fire from self-propelled guns had forced the infantry to retire to a rear defensive position. He directed artillery firing on these self–propelled guns until they were within one hundred yards of him. Although under constant enemy fire, Lieutenant Hockaday succeeded in holding this armored attack until the infantry was securely entrenched. His outstanding gallantry and disregard for personal safety in the face of heavy enemy fire are in accord with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    861st Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    63d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 6, 1945
    Headquarters, 63d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 133 (May 4, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Spencer T. Hockaday (ASN: 0-449046), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery B, 861st Field Artillery Battalion, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 6 April 1945, in the vicinity of Buchhof, Germany. Positions of Company F, *** Infantry Regiment, were subjected to strong enemy counterattacks, supported by intense artillery, small arms, automatic weapons fire and tanks. All infantry officers were killed or wounded. Lieutenant Hockaday, forward observer, took command of the company, organized defenses, placed accurate artillery fire upon the enemy and repulsed the counterattacks. The magnificent courage and outstanding gallantry under fire of Lieutenant Hockaday reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.