CULPEPER STAR-EXPONENT

On Sept. 4, U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) presented the widow of Retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Michael R. Spears, a Madison County resident and longtime member of VFW Post 1503 in Dale City, with the medals he earned for his service, including the Bronze Star.

According to Communications Director Libby Wiet, Spears served as a soldier during the Vietnam War as a member of Charlie Company in the 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal. After returning home, he continued to serve in the Army Reserve and retired as a Sergeant First Class. He passed away 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.

“Sergeant 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 Sergeant 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.”

“Sergeant Spears distinguished himself by heroism on 10 July 1970 while serving as tactical advisor to a company of Civilian Irregular Defense Group strikers,” according to the U.S. Army. “While on a mission in enemy territory, Sergeant Spears spotted an element of enemy troops within the vicinity of a large suspected base area. While attempting to call an artillery fire mission, Sergeant Spears was detected and became the immediate target of heavy enemy small arms fire. Sergeant Spears continued to expose himself until the artillery was finally adjusted and fired. … Sergeant 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 and Bronze Star Attachment, Combat Medical Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Expert Badge and Rifle Bar and Parachutist Badge.