McComb native awarded Purple Heart

Published Friday, December 19, 2003 12:56 PM CST

Army 1st Lt. Spencer Wallace, 28, formerly of McComb, has been awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with valor for his actions during combat operations in Iraq this summer.

Wallace, son of Rudy and Linda Wallace of McComb, is a 1993 McComb High School graduate and is currently stateside serving as a rifle platoon leader with the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Earlier this year, Wallace’s vehicle was engaged with a rocket-propelled grenade that wounded the soldier.

Although injured, “Wallace regained control of his crew and platoon and managed to maintain his tenacity and aggressiveness and maneuvered his platoon to suppress and destroy the grenade team preventing further injury or damage to the remainder of ABLE Company soldiers and equipment,” wrote Capt. Todd Ballou in a witness statement.

During another incident, Wallace’s platoon came under heavy small arms fire and grenade fire, and Wallace was able to destroy the enemy and move his platoon to safety, according to Ballou.

“Wallace’s performance during his action in Iraq was remarkable and admirable, setting the standard for selflessness service and repeatedly sacrificed his own life for the soldiers in his platoon and ABLE Company.”

Wallace is married to the former Karen O’Quin of McComb. They have two children, Cameron Elizabeth, 7, and Spencer Chase, 3. Wallace graduated from Southwest Mississippi Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi.