Spragins was promoted to the two-star rank of major general in 1943 and assigned as commander of the 71st Infantry Division. He oversaw the 71st Division's initial organization and training, and was succeeded by Major General Eugene M. Landrum so he could then assume command of the 44th Infantry Division in August 1944. He led the 44th Division during combat in France and Germany as part of the U.S. Seventh Army, which was commanded by his West Point classmate, Lieutenant General Alexander Patch. In December 1944 he returned to the United States for medical reasons, and was succeeded by William F. Dean.