John Andrew Spence was born on November 23, 1947 in Modena, Pennsylvania.

John started his tour in Vietnam on May 30, 1970. He was assigned to the 15th Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

Specialist Fourth John Andrew Spence III  died non-battle on October 12, 1970 in the Binh Dinh Province of South Vietnam. John drowned on a military mission attempting to cross a river when he was swept downstream by the current.

John is buried at Hephzibah Cemetery in East Fallowfield Township.