<p>
<em>Floyd B. Spencer Jr., </em>died as he had lived—Non Sibi, Sed Aliis—Not for Self, But for Others. Floyd was always giving of himself for the welfare and encouragement of others, and he had within himself this rare quality in abundance. The following quotation from Floyd’s Silver Star Award is typical of his entire life. “Major Spencer distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 31 January 1968 while serving as District Senior Advisor, Cu Chi District, Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Major Spencer was accompanying a force of one platoon of Regional Forces commanded by the Vietnamese District Chief in an operation to engage and destroy a small enemy force near the village of Tan Phu Trung. As the unit approached the village, it came under withering automatic weapons fire from well placed and camouflaged ambush positions. Seeing his radio operator felled by the enemy fire and left helpless on an open field, Major Spencer dashed through intense enemy fire to the aid of the injured man. Though the focal point of enemy gunners, Major Spencer attempted to pick the man up and move him to safety. While doing so under the concentrated fire of the enemy guns, he was mortally wounded. Major Spencer’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.”</p>
<p>
Those of us who have been privileged to have known Floyd personally realize that his actions and life were the result of his deep faith in God and his following closely to his Supreme Commander, Jesus Christ. In the opinion of many, Floyd was one of the best examples of what a Christian should be. The following comments made by some of his friends are a fitting tribute to his life.</p>
<p>
At the funeral, the minister shared the following: “The Pentagon just thinks it is writing my orders; the Lord really says what I will do and where I will go.” Major Floyd Spencer made this statement as he anticipated his year’s tour in Vietnam. On January 31, 1968, almost one year to the day, the Lord issued some fresh new orders to this great Christian soldier. “Come up higher, I have observed your bravery and loyalty. I shall give you a new command.” What distinguished honors will be placed over the heart of Major Spencer? I am sure that no medal awarded in heaven is equal to having the King of Eternity embrace the trembling shoulders of a victorious warrior and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” His witness lives on. Souls will yet be won to Christ because Floyd Spencer lived.</p>
<p>
In writing his wife, Floyd said, “I do have that land of love for my enemies. I have no hatred for them. And I do wish in my heart that they may know the blessings of salvation through the blood of the Lord Jesus.”</p>
<p>
“He was the finest Christian soldier I have ever known: not a wishy-washy do gooder, but a strong vibrant individual who loved his Lord, his country, and his family.” R.K.D.</p>
<p>
“Floyd was a true competitor with a strong desire to perform in an outstanding manner, regardless of the endeavor. Upon his departure from Fort Sill, he was appropriately awarded the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding performance as Assistant Systems Officer in the D.O.I. His quiet unassuming manner did not detract from his exemplary professional competence. As far as I know, he never met a person who didn’t see in him the most desirable qualities of a Christian gentleman. In short, Floyd was a great guy, and truly one of the few people I ever met who continuously sought and found hope in human goodness and dignity that is sometimes so elusive in this confused world.” J.M.H.</p>
<p>
“It isn’t often in one’s lifetime that the privilege is had of knowing and working with a person who can be considered truly great. By every measurement, I think of our beloved friend as having had the qualifying hallmarks of greatness, of true greatness: an unbelievably deep Christian love for his fellowman (yes, even for his enemy who would take his life from him); a dedication to his God, his country, his church, his friends, and his family; a quiet meekness that gave rise to great respect from everyone with whom he came in contact; an ability to lead because people wanted to follow him out of admiration and respect; an exemplary life lived by him for us all to witness and enjoy; and never was he seen to act except through love, kindness, and understanding.</p>
<p>
“It was my good fortune to be associated with him in church work among the youth—and even to this date the young men in my Sunday School class (many of whom are of the military) continue to remember him and to speak of him with great warmth and with an indescribable sort of reverence—reverence akin to worship; a reverence that is shown to reflect the great power this good man has over his fellowman, even in death.</p>
<p>
"I know of no greater tribute which I could pay this man than to say if I had a son, I’d want him to be like Floyd Spencer.” H.H.H.</p>
<p>
“In his military and personal life, Floyd exemplified the characteristics of the Christian leader that we all hope to be. I valued him especially for his sincerity, strong sense of duty, and unostentatious personal integrity. Time and again when he worked here, I was impressed by his dedication, his willingness to sacrifice his personal considerations for the accomplishment of the task, and his perseverance in spite of obstacles. Undoubtedly these same characteristics marked the manner of his end, for I am confident that whatever the job required, Floyd would be ready to give. He was a true son of West Point, and as he joins the shadows of the Long Gray Line, the meaning of ‘our hearts are standing attention’ takes on a deeper significance.” F.E.K.</p>
<p>
“Floyd was the most conscientious man I have ever met. He literally poured himself and his impressive abilities into every endeavor. Nothing seemed to be insignificant and no person too unimportant to deserve less than his full attention and concern. He developed a rapport with people in and outside the office which could not have been improved upon. He treated the people contacted as friends in the true sense of the word. He helped carry burdens whether he necessarily deserved a share or not. Floyd solved problems and avoided creating them. He was completely honest with himself, with his job, and with those around him. This honesty and conscientiousness made him stand out among others. An immediate reaction on meeting Floyd was an impression of his humility. He was humble but not afraid, and I’ve observed him cling tenaciously to a position he knew to be right in principle when attempts were made to erode it through expediency.” G.L.E.</p>
<p>
“I find it quite difficult to give an impression of Floyd, simply because I lack the words. As an officer I rated him superior in every category and would have given him a higher rating if they had it. His memory was nothing short of phenomenal. I do not recall ever asking him a question that he did not know the answer to or the reference for. As a leader, Floyd was respected and admired by all. It was never necessary for him to exert command because his quiet suggestion was all that it ever took to get the job done. His judgment was always good and no one over thought to question it.</p>
<p>
“He was immaculate always with polished shoes and pressed uniforms. His personality matched his dress, for he was always a gentleman, too. He did not drink alcohol nor do I rccall ever hearing him swear. He was deeply religious, though he was not ‘showy’ about it; one would simply find him reading his Bible in his off-duty time. He was completely honest, and in so far as I know, he never tried or needed to ‘snow’ me. Any task assigned to him was well done, and he was proud to show it. Floyd’s lack of vice was almost beyond belief, but you had to know him pretty well to realize it, for he was very unpretentious. Yet, he was every inch a man. He loved to hunt, and was an expert marksman with either a pistol or rifle. He entered into all sporting activities and was one of the best athletes in the unit. He played bridge with the best of them, but seemed just as happy with a cheerful game of cribbage.</p>
<p>
“Floyd had a quick sense of humor and was always ready with a smile. He appreciated a good joke and was always ready to enter into things when there was fun to be had. He found the humor of even our most faying times. I guess, though, that he was most enchanting when he was involved in or witness to a harmless, mischievous prank."</p>
<p>
“Floyd was devoted to his family and frequently spoke fondly of his parents, brother, and sisters. I only visited them once after he and Linda were married, but it was easy to see that their home was full of love. His children were a delight and showed the manners that go with ample training and love."</p>
<p>
“Floyd was very loyal. He was loyal to his country, his superiors, and his subordinates. If a comrade needed help, I doubt that it would have ever occurred to Floyd there was anything to do but try. And so he did.” J.W.W.</p>
<p>
Floyd is survived by his parents, Colonel (Ret.) and Mrs. Floyd B. Spencer Sr. of Holliday, Texas, and by his wife, Linda; two sons, Floyd and Howard, and a daughter, Ruth, of Lubbock, Texas.</p>
<p>
<em>-R.N.M. Class ’58</em></p>