Vance's actions, life story, heroism and death were widely publicized in the mainstream media and is featured in several books on the War on Terrorism as well as in the ABC reality series "Profiles from the Front Line".

He received 17 awards and decorations including the US Army Purple Heart, two Bronze Star Medals with and the Legion of Merit that recognizes exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of sustained, superior achievement.

His great uncles William ‘Bittle’ Steele, US Army 4th Infantry Division Bravo Company and Clarence 'Buck' England served in the Battle of the Bulge.

From all accounts he was a strong, shy, selfless, pleasant, gentle and quiet man who loved a wide variety of rock and roll music, and dark roast coffee.

[20] Vance's personal communications with his wife during wartime service were featured in a book entitled ‘Behind The Lines’ by author Andrew Carroll.

Vance's Persian language, cryptologic and special forces skills, harnessed at the start of the war in Afghanistan, were rare and distinguished him from the majority of the US Army.

[15] According to the US Military, Staff Sergeant Vance's patrol was ambushed on 18 May 2002 by Taliban fighters in the vicinity of Shkin, Paktika Afghanistan while taking part in Operation Mountain Lion.

[30] Although critically wounded in the initial attack, Staff Sergeant Vance continued to translate battlefield intelligence for Afghan forces in the area, directing them out of danger.

He had also played a critical role in developing his detachment's communications capabilities in the US-led efforts to capture Osama Bin Laden.