Info Sheet - James "Jimmy" Price Spencer
Killed In Action 24 January 1967 (more info at Together We Served)
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James "Jimmy" Price was born on Friday May 3, 1940, in War Creek, Breathitt County, Kentucky. He was the first son born to Price and Golden Gross Spencer and Price's second son due to a previous marriage.
Jimmy was killed in action while serving as door gunner on helicopter 65-9661. MAJ Mike Squires was the AC (Aircraft Commander) and SP5 James L. Pyburn was the crew chief.
This was Jimmy's third Vietnam tour.
He held the rank of Corporal, in Troop D, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division.
As a tribute to Jimmy the story "Return to the Devils Playground" as written by a fellow soldier, Bob Graham, presents an accounting of this tragedy.
Obituary notes:
To my dad (March 13, 2006)
I'm sorry you had to leave me. I love you so much and thank you for giving me your last name. I wasn't yours but you took me in and loved me with all your heart. I remember all the birthday cakes we shared and how you held me on your lap while we blew out the candles. I remember the tapes you mailed us telling me to be a good girl I always was I remember the walk up the mountain to your burial grounds and everything about ky that day and I remember the sounds of the guns being shot and the music played at your funeral I remember everything and I will never forget you noone has ever taken your place in my heart. I have nothing to remember you by now except my memories of a sweet loving dad who was a hero to many but most of all me and I thank all those who took the time to care about you I have 3 children now and I am a teacher love cindy
Posted by: Step daugter
Relationship: He is my father
From James Mike Vaughn (4 Feb 2013):
My helicopter crew, 65-9660, was the one that brought the VC that killed Spencer back to the troop area. Spencer was the first person to be killed, that I knew personally, since my joining the troop. He was killed on my wife’s birthday. After we crashed 660…I became crew chief on 661. Flying in the seat where he was killed, & the 3 patched bullet holes above my head, was a constant reminder of that terrible day. Mike Vaughn