MADISON COUNTY EAGLE, GRACIE HART BROOKS

etired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Michael R. Spears of Madison County has been awarded a posthumous Bronze Star.

Last week, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger presented several medals to Spears’ widow, Judith Spears. Sergeant Spears served as a soldier in the Charlie Company in the 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, during the Vietnam War. According to the Army, Spears was serving as a tactical advisor to a company of Civilian Irregular Defense Group strikers on July 10, 1970 when he spotted enemy troops within the vicinity of what was suspected to be a large base area. The Army report said he was detected while attempting to call an artillery fire mission and became the target of heavy enemy fire. He continued to expose himself until the artillery was adjusted and fired.

“Sergeant Spears’ 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.”

After returning home, Spears served in the U.S. Army Reserve before retiring as a Sergeant First Class. He was a member of the VFW Post 1503 in Dale City. He passed away in 2021.

“Sergeant Spears encapsulated the best of who we are as a nation, having stepped up to serve with incredible courage, integrity, and honor,” Spanberger said during a ceremony at the VFW Post. “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.”

Spanberger presented Judith Spears with her late 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.

Spanberger’s office worked with the U.S. Department of Defense to secure the medals and awards.