William David Spencer
Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps

On 28 December 2006, then-Lance Corporal William David Spencer was serving as a Rifleman, Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, Regimental Combat Team 5, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On that day, LCpl Spencer’s squad advanced from overwatch positions across Route Cathy to investigate a suspected sniper and his vehicle. After masking their movement with a smoke canister, the squad moved south to re-enter the platoon's positions. A concealed enemy sniper shot and mortally wounded the squad leader, while nearby enemy positions began firing on the dismounted Marines. Ignoring his own safety, LCpl Spencer quickly and bravely left his covered position. LCpl Spencer entered the fire-swept street to pull his squad leader to safety, and also directed his squad's suppressive fires. As he dragged the Corporal towards a Marine-held building, LCpl Spencer was shot and mortally wounded by the enemy sniper. LCpl Spencer gave his life in an attempt to save a wounded Marine. LCpl Spencer’s selfless and courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Marine Corps' third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals and Awards

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Navy & Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal William David Spencer, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Rifleman, Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, Regimental Combat Team 5, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), on 28 December 2006, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Lance Corporal Spencer's squad advanced from over watch positions across Route CATHY to investigate a suspected sniper and his vehicle. After masking their movement with a smoke canister, the squad moved south to re-enter the platoon's positions. A concealed enemy sniper shot and mortally wounded the squad leader, while nearby enemy positions began firing on the dismounted Marines. Without concern for his own safety, Lance Corporal Spencer quickly and bravely left his covered position. He entered the fire-swept street to pull his squad leader to safety, and also directed his squad's suppressive fires. As he dragged the Corporal towards a Marine-held building, Lance Corporal Spencer was shot and mortally wounded by the enemy sniper. He gallantly gave his life in an attempt to save a wounded Marine. By his bold leadership, wise judgment and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Spencer reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Burial

Lance Corporal William David Spencer is buried at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Mount Healthy, Hamilton County, OH.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17210769/william-david-spencer