SERVICE AWARD-The Cross of Military Service was recently awarded to WWII soldier Richard Thomas Spencer, Jr. The presentation was conducted by (l-r): Mary Loyd Reneau, Marshall, Tennessee Division, William Wesley Elam # 2557, Celina; Kathy Arth, President, Maryland Division; Richard Thomas Spencer, Jr., recipient of award; Linda Fritz, President, Tennessee Division, John Hunt Morgan # 2593, Woodlawn; Matilda Speck, Vice President, Tennessee Division, Capt. Sally Tompkins #2123, Cookeville. (photo submitted)

FRANKLIN-Local United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) member and state UDC marshall Mary Loyd Reneau recently assisted the UDC Maryland Division in bestowing a Cross of Military Service to Richard Thomas Spencer, Jr.  presented by the organization at the Williamson County Archives here in Franklin, TN.

Mr. Spencer served in WWII and was a direct descendant of a confederate soldier, qualifying him for the award.

The UDC Maryland Division was also assisted by the officers and members of Tennessee Division in the ceremony due to the fact that Mr. Spencer lived in Franklin and that Company A, 1st MD Cavalry Chapter # 1858 of the Maryland Division was awarding the cross.

Jeanell Kutterer, Recorder of Military Service Awards, Tennessee Division, read the Certificate presented to Richard Thomas Spencer, Jr.  The Franklin # 14 Chapter of the Tennessee Division, staff and volunteers of the Williamson County Archives and Museum, and Troop #179 of the Boy Scouts of America also assisted with the ceremony.  In attendance also were other UDC members, family members and friends.