Widow presented with husband’s Bronze Star and other medals

U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) presented the widow of retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Michael R. Spears with the medals he earned for his service, including the Bronze Star, during a Sept. 4 ceremony in Dale City, Virginia.

According to a release from Spanberger's office, during the Vietnam War, Spears served as a soldier in 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 U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a Sergeant First Class. He passed away in 2021.

Spanberger’s office worked with the Department of Defense to secure the medals and awards Spears earned during his 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.

“Sergent 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.”

In awarding Spears with the distinct honor of the Bronze Star Medal, the U.S. Army wrote, “Sergeant 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, 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.”

Judith Spears was presented 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.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .