“Sergeant Spencer was one of the first men to enlist in the 369th Infantry when it was being reorganized as the ‘Old 15th Regiment.’ This first enlistment was one June 29, 1916. His seventh enlistment period began June 2, 1926. He is the first member of the regiment to be given a medal for 10 years’ service. Several other members expect to get similar awards in the near future.

  Sergeant Spencer is a native of Ithaca, N.Y. and during his service with the 369th Infantry has received no less than 15 medals and awards.

His awards and medals include the following: U.S. Victory Medal and four battle clasps; Croix de Guerre (French); Commemorative medal (French); French wound bar; Conspicuous Service Cross, with citation star; New York State war medal; New Jersey State war medal; Tompkins County, N.Y. war medal; New York State Guard medal; 10 years’ meritorious service medal; New York State recruiting medal; sharpshooter medals for pistol, rifle and machine gun, and regimental watch and fob for recruiting.”

"Spencer, War Hero, Ithaca, Awarded His 16th Medal," Ithaca Journal, December 22, 1926, 3.