Madison County Eagle: Madison County veteran receives posthumous Bronze Star

Sep 12, 2024
In the News
Veterans' Issues

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.

Recent Posts


Oct 3, 2024
Veterans' Issues

President Signs Into Law Spanberger-Backed Bill to Cut Red Tape for Veterans Joining the Trucking Workforce

The “Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act” Would Cut Red Tape for CDL Schools & the Veterans They Serve WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Biden this week signed into law bipartisan legislation U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger helped lead to cut red tape for Veterans looking to use their GI benefits to pay for commercial driver’s license […]



Oct 2, 2024
Press

Spanberger Grateful for FEMA Disaster Assistance for Virginia to Recover from Hurricane Helene, Urges Congress to Pass Emergency Appropriations Package to “Meet Any Unmet Needs”

Congresswoman: “Virginia’s Families And Businesses Will Need Additional Support As The Full Extent Of The Devastation Becomes Clear” WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after President Biden granted additional federal disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Congresswoman also urged congressional […]



Oct 1, 2024
Press

Spanberger, Wittman Lead Bipartisan Effort to Increase Military Leave for Federal Employees Serving in the National Guard, Reserves

The “Supporting Federal Employees in the National Guard & Reserves Act” is Endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, International Association of Fire Fighters, American Federation of Government Employees, & Reserve Organization of America WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation to increase military leave […]