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name
SPENCER, Roy John - Date of
birth
11 November 1918 -
Age
26 - Place of
birth
Cope, Washington County, Colorado -
Hometown
Cope, Washington County, Colorado
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
37706873 -
Rank
Private -
Function
unknown -
Unit
D Company,
2nd Battalion,
507th Parachute Infantry Regiment
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
12 January 1945 - Place of
death
Flamizoulle, Belgium
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Luxembourg
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| I | 8 | 22 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Francis M. Spencer (father)
Clarissa S. (Stuard) Spencer (mother)
Mae J. Spencer (sister)
Robert W. Spencer (brother)
Nellie F. Spencer (sister)
Agnes V. Spencer (sister)
Myrtle V. Spencer (sister)
Hazel H. Spencer (sister)
Gladys M. Spencer (sister)
Norma J. Spencer (sister)
Clifford J. Spencer (brother)
Anne B. (Queen) Spencer (wife)
More information
Pvt Roy J. Spencer worked on the family farm before he enlisted in Denver, Colorado on 11 November 1943.He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: Pvt Spencer was a member of a bazooka team which was in a company attack on a woods outside of a Belgian town. As Pvt Spencer advanced, his bazooka was struck by pieces of flying shrapnel that tore holes in the tube. At this point German tanks started counter-attacking. Both Pvt Spencer and his team mate knew that the tanks must be stopped. They also knew that their weapon might blow up in their faces due to the holes torn in it. Nevertheless, without thought for personal safety, they fired in an attempt to stop the tanks. The weapon blew up and both were instantly killed. This gallantry inspired their company successfully to repulse the German counter-attack. The Military Service ranks the gallantry of Pvt Spencer among its proudest traditions.
He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery in Grand-Failly, France.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men / Doane Family Tree / 1940 Census, www.findagrave.com – David Hutchins Israel, www.ww2-airborne.us
Photo source: Peter Schouteten, www.ancestry.com - bearrug