Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company B, 1st Battalion, 29th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division "The Striking Sixth", U.S. Marine Corps

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines (Reinforced), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. After his company had supported two other companies in seizing a ridge, the battalion's objective, Captain Specht ordered his men forward to assist in holding the ground gained. Realizing that the right flank of the battalion was no longer secure because of numerous casualties, he sent two platoons of his company to reinforce it. Seeing the platoon withdraw to a reverse slope following an intense barrage of enemy machine-gun and mortar fire, Captain Specht immediately proceeded to the top of the ridge despite the hostile gunfire and, rallying his men, led them in retaking the ridge and repulsing the subsequent counterattack of a strong Japanese unit. By his leadership, courage and devotion to duty throughout these hazardous operations, Captain Specht upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 8745.