PDA

View Full Version : John Spence dies at 95; Navy diver and pioneering WWII 'frogman'


Pete
11-15-2013, 07:13
John Spence dies at 95; Navy diver and pioneering WWII 'frogman'

http://www.latimes.com/obituaries/la-me-john-spence-20131104,0,5696985.story#axzz2kdLuLMQi

"John Spence, a diver often credited as the first U.S. combat "frogman" in World War II and an important figure in the rigorous training that led to the establishment of the Navy SEALs, has died.

Spence died Tuesday at a care facility in Bend, Ore. He was 95.

Because much of what Spence and others did during the war was under the Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner to the Central Intelligence Agency, stories of their bravery and resourcefulness were long classified as top secret........."

Streck-Fu
11-15-2013, 07:45
Thank you for all you have done. Fair winds and following seas, Brother.

twistedsquid
11-15-2013, 08:50
Thank you Mr. Spence.

The Reaper
11-15-2013, 10:10
RIP, and thank you for your service.

Anyone know why he is wearing a metal Special Forces Tab in the photo?

TR

UWOA (RIP)
11-15-2013, 15:12
My retiree newsletter said it was because he was awarded an honorary green beret and seal pin for his accomplishments when the units were stood up. It also said he was the first enlisted man to join the OSS when it was being formed ....