David Paul Spears was operating a 185 millimeter howitzer against a hostile force when a round detonated prematurely. He volunteered for service 15 years ago and served in Korea during that war and again in 1959. He was stationed in Germany in 1955-1956 and for the past three years had been stationed in Hawaii. S/Sgt Spears was married to the former Shelby Jean Mayes of Rogersville and father of three children, Frankie, Karen and Linda.
Military Data
LenSvc Between 12 and 13 years
Unit B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 9th Artillery, 25 Infantry Division
Casualty Data
Start Tour Thursday, 23 December 1965
Cas Date Sunday, 24 July 1966
Age at Loss 35
Remains Body recovered
Location Pleiku, South Vietnam
Type Hostile, died outright
Reason Multiple fragmentation wounds – Ground casualty
ON THE WALL Panel 09E Line 071
- Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Date of birth: 17 May 1931
- Date of death: 24 July 1966
- County: Hawkins
- Hometown: Rogersville
- Service Branch: Army
- Division/Assignment: 9th Artillery, 25th Infantry Division
- Conflict: Vietnam
- Awards: Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean War Service Medal, viet Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea Service Medal, and Republic of viet Campaign Medal
- Burial/Memorial Location: Andrew Johnson National Cemetery, Greeneville, Greene County, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XXIII, Top Panel
- Contact us to sponsor David P. Spears
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