For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Sergeant Speers distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 November, 1966 while serving as Special Forces advisor to an irregular Vietnamese force during a search and destroy mission near Ben Soi. Sergeant Speers company was taking night perimeter positions when Viet Cong launched a mortar, rocket and machine gun attack on the unit, followed by a human wave assault from all directions. Although he was knocked to the ground by a mortar explosion early in the barrage, he grabbed a radio, quickly surveyed the camps defenses and radioed for air support. He remained exposed to hostile fire continuously while marking friendly positions with smoke to guide supporting aircraft, and while directing Vietnamese soldiers into better positions to repel the enemy attacks. As the situation became more desperate, he called in aerial ordinance on top of his own position because the Viet Cong had pressed so close to him, cutting him off from his troops. When a nearby companion was wounded, Sergeant Speers gave him first aid and dragged him to temporary safety. The insurgents continued their advance, so he directed aircraft to fire directly behind him as he dragged the casualty to a woodline. He joined the rest of his men, placed them into a defensive perimeter around a landing zone, and called for ammunition supply and medical evacuation helicopters. Without an interpreter, and under constant, intense fire, Sergeant Speers personally controlled the Vietnamese soldiers defending the landing zone until helicopters arrived with reinforcements and ammunition. His company was vastly outnumbered, but he remained calm through out the critical battle and retained control of the situation. By his courageous leadership, he saved his company and dealt the insurgents heavy losses. Sergeant Speers extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

1SG. Speers joined the Legion of Valor in 2004 and is a LIFE MEMBER. He resides in North Carolina.