Akin, Spencer Bell

Date of birth:: February 13th, 1889 (Greenville/Mississippi, United States)
Date of death:: October 6th, 1973 (Leesburg/Virginia, United States)
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 34. Grave: 37-A.
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Brigadier General
Unit:: U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), U.S. Army
Awarded on:: 1942

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Chief Signal Officer, Pacific Forces, in action against enemy forces on 31 December 1941, in the vicinity of Santa Barbara, Pampanga, Philippine Islands. While returning from an inspection of Signal installations in Cuagua and Bucalor, conducted in the face of hostile aerial bombing and consequent oil and gasoline fires, and explosion of ammunition dumps en route, Brigadier General Akin was halted by a severe traffic congestion at a bridge on the Luboa-Leyac road in the vicinity of Santa Barbara. Despite the concentration of aerial bombs bursting in the congested area, this intrepid officer left his vehicle, walked to the center of the traffic block and proceeded, while under fire, to untangle and direct traffic until the normal flow was restored. By his courageous exploit, efficiently performed without regard for the serious personal hazards involved, the exodus of troops, civilians, guns and supplies to the south was expedited, and destruction of personnel and material incident to the concentrated bombing target presented by the extensive traffic block was minimized. Brigadier General Akin's intrepid actions, 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 Office of Strategic Services, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 40