| Gordon K. Spearman Jr. |
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SSG Gordon Spearman was born 4 October 1946 in Hermiston, Oregon. He was an Airborne Infantryman and Intelligence Specialist assigned to Charlie Company Rangers 75th Infantry. He was on his second combat tour in Vietnam after having served with Echo Company 20th LRRP's, a Long Range Recon Patrol unit. Echo Co. was the predecessor unit of Charlie Rangers 75th Infantry. Ranger Spearman was a role model leader. Highly respected by his men, peers and the officers above him, he was selected as a Ranger Team Leader in Charlie Rangers. He cared deeply for his men, always seeing to their needs before his own. Ranger Spearman led numerous patrols into hostile territory and was known for his combat skills. He was Team Leader of Ranger Team 1-4 on 10 March 1971 when his unit came into heavy contact with a large enemy force. During a brief firefight he was fatally wounded while engaged in combat with the enemy near An Khe in Binh Dinh province Republic of South Vietnam. Ranger Spearman's loss was a severe blow to his unit. He was 24 years old when he died. He is listed at Panel 04W Line 036 on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. His awards include: The Combat Infantry's Badge, Army Commendation Medal with OLC, Air medal with OLC, Parachutist Badge, Purple heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. It is altogether fitting that we honor Ranger Spearman at the Fallen Ranger Memorial. Rangers Lead The Way! Respectfully submitted: |
