Calvin J. Spann
Calvin J. Spann | |
|---|---|
 1st Lt. Calvin J. Spann an Original Tuskegee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group 100th Squadron | |
| Born | November 28, 1924 Rutherford, New Jersey, United States |
| Died | September 6, 2015 (aged 90) Texas, United States |
Calvin J. Spann (November 28, 1924 – September 6, 2015) was an original Tuskegee Airman and fighter pilot with the 100th Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group. Spann received his wings from the Tuskegee Flight School as a part of the graduating class of 44G.[1] As a member of the United States Army Air Corps, he served in Europe during World War II, where Spann flew 26 combat missions before the end of the war in the European Theatre.[2]
Education
He attended Rutherford High School.[3][4]
Military career
During Spann's wartime service (1944–1946), he was assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group under the command of Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., who on September 2, 1941, was the first African American officer to solo an aircraft under the U.S. Army Air Corps. Davis would later rise to the rank of General in the United States Air Force.
While assigned to the 332nd, he flew in the longest bomber escort mission of 15th Air Force, a 1600-mile round trip mission on March 24, 1945,[5] from Ramitelli, Italy, to Berlin, Germany, to destroy a Daimler-Benz manufacturing facility under the leadership of his squadron commander, Captain Roscoe Brown.
Congressional Gold Medal
On February 28, 2006, the U.S. Congress approved a bill authorizing President George W. Bush to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen, the highest civilian honor awarded by the United States.[6]
Later life
Later in his life, Spann spoke at schools, churches and organizations about the Tuskegee Airmen experience and how their courage and valor helped them to triumph. During these speeches, he encouraged students to make a commitment to excel in the study of mathematics and science, and reminding them that through preparation and perseverance they can succeed.
Spann lived in Englewood, New Jersey and worked in the pharmaceutical industry.[3] Spann died on September 6, 2015 at the age of 90 in McKinney, Texas,[7] where he had moved in 2006 to be close to his daughter, Carla Spann-Lopez and his grandchildren Carson and Cameron Lopez..[8] He is buried in East Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clifton, New Jersey.[9]
Military awards
- The Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
- A Presidential Unit Citation
- The European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon
- The American Campaign Ribbon
- The World War II Victory Medal
- The Congressional Gold Medal (Tuskegee Airmen)
References
- ^ "Allen Public Library Presents: Tuskegee Airman Lt. Calvin Spann - The City of Allen, TX". Allentx.swagit.com. Retrieved 2013-08-24.
- ^ "Frontiers of Flight Museum Honoring African American aviation pioneers past & present". North Dallas Gazette. 2013-02-20. Retrieved 2013-08-24.
- ^ a b TODD SOUTH. "Tuskegee Airman returning home to Rutherford for one final salute". NorthJersey.com.
- ^ RICHARD COWEN. "Rutherford native Calvin Spann, famed Tuskegee Airman, dies at age 90". NorthJersey.com.
- ^ Freedom Flyers The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II ISBN 978-0-19-538655-4 by Moye, J. Todd
- ^ "Tuskegee Airman presented Congressional Gold Medal of Honor". Kirtland.af.mil. 2007-08-08. Retrieved 2013-08-24.
- ^ Megan Gibson. "Tuskegee Airman Who Flew 26 Missions Over Germany Dies at 90". TIME.com.
- ^ "North Texas Funeral Held for Tuskegee Airman Calvin Spann". NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth.
- ^ "Lieut Calvin J. Spann (1924 - 2015) - Find A Grave Memorial". findagrave.com.
Further reading
- Freedom Flyers The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II ISBN 978-0-19-538655-4 by Moye, J. Todd
- Boundless Sky "The Journey of LT. Calvin Spann, Tuskegee Airman ISBN 978-0-69220-406-1 Author Calvin J Spann, Written by: Jonathan Singleton, Created by Lindell Singleton