Texas
Military Forces
Hall of Honor
Max H.
Specht
Max
H. Specht was born in Spring Branch, Texas, 21 July 1910. He graduated
from New Braunfels High School in 1927, attended Southern Methodist
University and graduated from Southwest State Teachers' College in 1939.
General Specht's military career began when he joined Service Battery,
133d Field Artillery Regiment on 1 April 1937. He was commissioned a
second lieutenant 16 June 1939, and was mobilized with his unit 25
November 1940. He served in the European Theater of Operations in World
War II and was released from active duty in May 1946 as a lieutenant
colonel. He returned to the Texas National Guard as commander of the
155th Field Artillery Battalion on 10 February 1947 and served in
various assignments until he was promoted brigadier general 22 September
1961 as Division Artillery Commander, 36th Infantry Division. He became
Assistant Division Commander on 1 March 1963 and retired from the Army
National Guard, 7 October 1965. In recognition of his service to his
state and nation, he was brevetted major general on 20 May 1969.
Not content with being retired from the military, he accepted the post
of Commanding General, Texas State Guard on 1 June 1969. Under his
leadership, the Texas State Guard received funding from the Texas State
Legislature to conduct paid training exercises and assisted the National
Guard and local civilian authorities in numerous natural disasters and
local emergencies. He reorganized the State Headquarters from a tactical
to a non-tactical directorate-type to better plan and supervise the
operations of the State Guard, more in line with their mission. He
retired from the State Guard on 31 July 1974, ending a career of
military device of over 32 years.
General Specht's leadership in his community is evidenced by his service
as the Superintendent of Schools for Comal County and his membership in
numerous military and civilian service organizations.
In recognition of his many accomplishments and dedicated service,
General Specht was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Texas Medal of Merit
and numerous other state and federal awards.
The impact of his dynamic leadership and devotion to duty to the State
Military Forces remains today in the present Army National Guard and
Texas State Guard.
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