Sprecher Kenneth Ned

Name:

Kenneth Ned Sprecher

Rank:

First Sergeant

Serial Number:

35119398

Unit:

502nd Parachute infantry Regiment

Date of Death:

1988-01-27

State:

Kentucky

Cemetery:

Maple Hill Cemetery, Tipp City, Miami County, Ohio, USA

Plot:

Section 6

Row:

Grave:

Decoration:

Belgian Fourragere, French Croix de Guerre with palm, Belgian Croix de Guerre with palm, Distinguished Service Cross, European�African�Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two arrowheads and two Service stars, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory

Comments:

Kenneth Ned Sprecher was born on April 5, 1918, in Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio. He was the son of Stanley F. and Ruth E. Sprecher. He was first married to Ellen F. Tarbutton and later to Patti Jean "Pat" Sprecher. He enlisted in the service on March 6, 1941. He served with Company H, 3rd Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, as a First Sergeant during World War II.

On June 11, 1944, in France, 1Sgt Sprecher displayed extraordinary heroism when his company was pinned down by intense enemy machine-gun fire, and his company commander was knocked unconscious by a mortar blast. Despite the heavy fire, Sprecher reorganized the company and personally led a bayonet charge that successfully captured their objective. For his courageous leadership and bravery, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He was discharged on September 25, 1945. He died on January 27, 1988, and is now buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Tipp City, Miami County, Ohio, USA.

Distinguished Service Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Sergeant Kenneth Ned Sprecher (ASN: 35119398), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces in France, on 11 June 1944. While his company was pinned down by intense enemy machine gun fire, First Sergeant Sprecher�s Company Commander was knocked unconscious from a mortar shell. Under the heavy enemy fire, First Sergeant Sprecher reorganized the company and personally led a bayonet charge upon the enemy thereby gaining the objective. First Sergeant Sprecher�s fearless leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, military-history.fandom.com, valor.militarytimes.com