Law students unearth records, restore honorable discharge for Vietnam vet - WRAL.com

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For half a century, a North Carolina veteran lived with his honor stripped away.

John Spencer was wounded in Vietnam, only to be separated from the Army under an "other than honorable discharge."

Decades later, law students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Military and Veterans Law Clinic uncovered the real story, turning the end of Spencer's story from one of shame to dignity.

Spencer's discharge came after a sergeant called him lazy and worse.

"The world was different," Spencer said. "People were different. There was a lot of discrimination, a lot of racist stuff going on."

The "other than honorable discharge" left him unable to access military health care or other benefits.

"It was almost as if I was defeated," he said.

Spencer was ashamed. He kept details from his family for decades.

"I was looking for help. I tried over and over and over again," he said.

In 2018, his story came to the attention of John Brooker, director of the Military and Veterans Law Clinic.

Brooker's students examined health and military records, appealing Spencer’s discharge on the grounds of discrimination.

"[They found] there was not any serious misconduct. There didn't seem to be any valid reason for the type of discharge received," Brooker said.

"We thought there should be a change."

On Thursday, at long last, that change came.

Spencer saw his discharge upgraded to "honorable," making him eligible for the benefits and health care he had earned.

Spencer was also awarded the Purple Heart, his combat infantryman badge and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

"I am very grateful I got to see this in my lifetime," he said.

Spencer was moved to tears, as was Isabelle Stevens, a 2021 UNC law graduate who worked on his case.

"Mr. Spencer," she said, "Your story, your challenges, your grace, your perseverance ... You have made a lasting imprint on my life, and I know I'm not the only one."

UNC's Military and Veterans Clinic offers pro bono legal support for former service members trying to upgrade their discharge status.

source: https://www.wral.com/law-students-unearth-records-restore-honorable-discharge-for-vietnam-vet/19964433/

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