The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Freddie L. Speakman (ASN: 35707303), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, XII Corps, in action against the enemy on 3 October 1944 in France. Private Speakman was primarily responsible for capturing a German Gestapo agent who had held the French Police at bay with a hand grenade. Disregarding the possibility of being ambushed he entered the building in which the agent had taken refuge and succeeded in effecting his capture. Private Speakman’s utter disregard for his personal safety reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.