Shadow box

Friend
Posted on 6/5/17 - by Sandra Altazin Pearce

Edgar was a kind, gentle thoughtful boy. We went to different schools but became friends through mutual friends. Always smiling. I have nothing but fond memories of him. May God bless Edgar and all those who served.

Silver Star
Posted on 8/29/16 - by Ed Klek quahog03@aol.com

Military records show that Edgar was awarded the Silver Star for heroism.
God Bless

Remembering Spence

Spence and I checked into the 1/5 Mech on the same day, around the first week or so in May of 1968. We both were assigned to the Recon platoon in Headquarters Company. That was the beginning of a very special friendship. Spence was a person that was full of life. Always the comedian - his antics kept me laughing until I'd cry. He was truly funny, sometimes without trying. He had the knack of making light of a serious situation in a way that it melted the tension away. I still have to smile when I remember him.

As I recall Spence was hard to get close to at first. Spence or Spencer, that's what everyone called him. He called himself a "coon-ass" because he was from Louisiana, but it was Spence to us. It took a while but we became good friends. Our friendship grew, probably due to our getting assigned to the same tracks, going on the same ambushes, and pulling the same duty. He was one of those people you truely liked to be around because there would never be a dull moment. I remember the little sparkle in his eye and a slight grin just before he'd do or say something funny. It was kind of like they were saying "lookout here it comes." He usually made himself the butt of the joke and he made a good straight man too.

Spence was wounded three times. The first time he was on an ambush where he was walking point and they walked into a claymore. Our new platoon sergeant took the brunt of the blast and was KIA. Spence was out recuperating for some time but returned to Recon. The second time Spence was wounded by the malfunction of a 50 caliber machine gun. That wound sent him to Japan for quite a while to recover and rehabilitate his leg. To our surprise he returned to the field when he came back from Japan. His return had an immediate uplifting within the Recon platoon. That was just the affect he had on people.

It was just a few weeks after he returned that he was killed. Spence was KIA on his birthday 29 Feb, 1968. Odd that was also leap year day. I was not with him the day he was killed. We stepped into one heck of a fight early that day. I was called away to assist A Company, who had one man KIA in the initial contact and one man pinned down by fire. They needed an M79 and I was elected. It was strange to not be with Recon and Spence during the battle. As the story was told to me, Recon was attacking the dug-in NVA position on their flank. At one point an element of Recon got shot up pretty bad. Spence was laying down suppressive fire while others rescued a wounded Recon troop. That was when Spence was KIA. I understand there was a Bronze Star awarded him, but I do not know this as fact.

The last time I remember seeing him was just before the firefight broke out. The LT put us on line as we approached a hedge row. Spence ended up in waist deep water sludging through the mud complaining in a way that had those around him in stitches. He just had a way about him. That's the way he should be remembered.

I still miss him, as we all miss those that we have lost. Spence was a special friend to me. I've visited him at "The Wall" three times now. I have his picture in my den next to my Army stuff. I will always wonder why someone so full of life had to go so young.

Howard Craig

I was with Sgt Spence when he was KIA , he was directing & returning fire when he was hit. As I remember Sgt Spence , he was a no nonsense type a person. He was a good leader .

Doc Alvarado
Recon platoon
67 - 68

Anonymous Anonymous
high school classmates
We, the classmates of Edgar (Woodlawn High School Class of 1966) remember him on his birthday as the fun, loving, warm and effervescent person that brighten our days. He had to have been special as we still fondly remember and love him to this day. Edgar, we still miss you!
Aug 26, 2011

Dario Schiappa
dschiappa@stny.rr.com
Friend of a friend
Rememberence
I knew a comrade of Edgar's that was on hand the day Edgar was hit. My friend's name was David Harn. When Dave saw that Edgar had been wounded and needed help, Dave risked his life to try to bring Edgar back to safety. In doing so, Dave was also wounded, receiving five AK-74 bullets in his leg and torso. Dave survived his wounds, but died in a car accident some years ago. The memory of his story (and Edgar's) remain clear and strong in my mind to this day. I salute Edgar and Dave and shall never forget their selfless bravery and heroic story! Dario R. Schiappa Sgt., Charlie Company (Bandido Charlie), 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry (Mech.), 1st Inf. Div.
Jan 19, 2009

Garnet Jenkins
garijen@bresnan.net
Grand Junction Co
~In Tribute To A Fallen Hero ~

In Remembrance of this fine young Soldier, with a Multitude of Thanks for his Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. Rest in Peace, Sgt Edgar Clay Spence and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam in 1967.....'STEP FORWARD NOW, YOU SOLDIER, YOU'VE BORNE YOUR BURDENS WELL, WALK PEACEFULLY ON HEAVEN'S STREETS, YOU'VE DONE YOUR TIME IN HELL' ~ Author Unknown ~
Aug 29, 2008

manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. "He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless You for your Sacrifice!!!

Feb 29, 2008

~A Grateful American~
~Rest in Peace, Brave Soldier~
Sgt Spence, thank you for your bravery to your unit on Feb 29, 1968. You sir, are not forgotten! Thank you for serving your country.
Aug 27, 2007

Denis McDonough
Denis1146@aol.com
Fellow Bobcat 1/5 Mech

Edgar, I just wanted you to know, you are not forgotten. You are loved and missed. My prayers to you and your family. The photo was courtesy of Howard Craig.
Sunday, August 29, 2004

Denis McDonough
Denis1146@aol.com
Fellow Bobcat 1/5 Mech
SGt Edgar Clay Spence, just to note was awarded the Silver star, Bronze star and four Purple hearts. God bless you, and thank you.
Saturday, October 23, 2004

ANONYMOUS AND GRATEFUL
SO YOUNG! SO BRAVE! HOW CAN IT BE THAT SOMEONE SO YOUNG CAN GIVE THEIR LIFE FOR FREEDOM AND SO FEW ACKNOWLEDGE HIS SACRIFICE. SOME OF US CARE. THANK YOU SEEMS SO INADEQUATE BUT IT'S ALL I HAVE.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006

I am Heidi Finck and a sophomore at Gridley High School in Gridley Illinois. I am sending this remembrance because I am doing a school project. I also just wanted to thank you for the time you spent to help save our country

Spence, Edgar Clay, SGT