Roger J. Spence was born on April 8, 1945 to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy J. Spence, and lived in Roselle Park, NJ. A native of Camden, Del., Sgt Spence came to Roselle Park with his family 14 years ago. He had two brothers: Dennis and Roy, and one sister named Pamela. He graduated from Roselle Park High School in 1963, and went on to attend Rutgers University for one and a half years, then transferred to Wilks College, Pennsylvania for two and a half years. In high school Roger enjoyed participating in wrestling and track, receiving seven varsity letters. In his senior year, he was captain of both the wrestling and track teams. He won the District Championship in his weight class for wrestling.
He was inducted into the US Army in September 1967. He did his basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, and received Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Jackson, SC. Spence was then sent to Fort Benning, GA, to Non-Commissioned Officers Training. Upon completion of this training, Spence was promoted to the rank of Sergeant (SGT).
He was sent to Vietnam in August 1968, and served with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry, and 4th Infantry Division.
On March 7, 1969, while engaged in a combat sweep operation, Spence was killed in action in South Vietnam, Pleiku Province. As his company moved through an area of previous enemy action, it was hit by intense automatic weapons fire from an unknown size enemy force. Roger received a fatal fragmentation wound and died instantly. He was 23 years old.
Spence was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal, each with the V device for valor in two separate actions. The decorations earned by Sgt Roger J. Spence include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Following are extracts from the General Orders authorizing award of the Medals indicated:
Bronze Star with “V” device for Heroism
For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Spence distinguished himself while serving as Squad Leader with the 4th Infantry Division. On 7 March 1969, Company D was on a combat sweep operation in Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam. As the company moved up a hill, the enemy engaged the unit with machine gun and small arms fire, killing the point man and wounding several other men. Assuming command, Sergeant Spence chose to re-deploy his squad, using fire and movement techniques. Sergeant Spence exposed himself to the rain of fire in an effort to direct his squad’s movement, drawing the brunt of the enemy fire, which resulted in his being critically wounded before he could fully achieve his objective. Sergeant Spence’s personal bravery, outstanding performance and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for Heroism
For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, Sergeant Spence distinguished himself while serving as Squad Leader with the 4th Infantry Division. On 30 September 1968, Sergeant Spence’s platoon was moving to the aid of two sister elements that were in contact with a large enemy force. Reaching the area of contact, Sergeant Spence noticed a wounded comrade exposed to the intense enemy fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Spence moved across a bullet-swept road to aid the wounded men. Realizing the man was in need of immediate medical attention, he carried him through the hail of enemy fire to a waiting medic. Sergeant Spence’s concern for his fellow man, personal bravery and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
The following is an excerpt from Roger Spence’s letter about the possibility of receiving the Medal for Valor published in his church’s newsletter, Tower Topics, in 1969:
Our platoon was put in for a medal for our part in the action on September 30th. I don’t except we’ll get it, and don’t really care. We were able to save three men’s lives who were pinned down on a road after their platoon was ambushed and wiped out. I found courage I never knew I had that day, but at night I often asked myself if I would run across that road again under fire of a machine gun. All men in Vietnam are brave, some, just a few, have the chance to be braver than the rest.
Roger Spence is buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Camden, Delaware.
Sources: Roy Spence (brother), the 35th Infantry Regiment Association, Tower Topics, and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
