U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger yesterday presented the widow of Retired U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Michael R. Spears with the medals he earned for his service, including the Bronze Star.
Spears, a Madison County resident and longtime member of VFW Post 1503 in Dale City, honorably served in the Vietnam War as a soldier in Charlie Company in the 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal. After he returned home, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring honorably as a Sgt. First Class. Spears earned many awards for his heroic and meritorious service. He died in 2021.
Spanberger’s office worked with the U.S. Department of Defense to secure the medals and awards he earned during his many years of service. During a medal commemoration ceremony hosted by VFW Post 1503, Spanberger presented his widow, Judith Spears, with his awards and full military records.
“Sgt. Spears encapsulated the best of who we are as a nation, having stepped up to serve with incredible courage, integrity and honor,” said Spanberger. “I’m grateful to Sgt. Spears’s wife, Judith, for getting in touch with my office and for making sure the Spears family received the medals and recognition her husband deserves. I was honored to be able to deliver these physical reminders of his service.”
In awarding Spears with the distinct honor of the Bronze Star Medal, the U.S. Army wrote: “Sgt. Spears distinguished himself by heroism on 10 July 1970 while serving as tactical advisor to a company of Civilian Irregular Defense Group strikers. While on a mission in enemy territory, Sgt. Spears spotted an element of enemy troops within the vicinity of a large suspected base area. While attempting to call an artillery fire mission, Sgt. Spears was detected and became the immediate target of heavy enemy small arms fire. Sgt. Spears continued to expose himself until the artillery was finally adjusted and fired. […] Sgt. Spears’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Special Forces and the United States Army.”
Spanberger presented Judith Spears with her husband’s Bronze Star Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment, Combat Medical Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Expert Badge & Rifle Bar and Parachutist Badge.
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Rebecca Barnabi
