Calvin J. Spann
Calvin J. Spann | |
---|---|
Born | Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. | November 28, 1924
Died | September 6, 2015 Texas, U.S. | (aged 90)
Calvin J. Spann (November 28, 1924 – September 6, 2015) was one of the original
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 Colonel
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,[6] where he had moved in 2006 to be close to his daughter, Carla Spann and his grandchildren Carson and Cameron.[7] He is buried in East Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clifton, New Jersey.[8]
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)[9]
See also
- Dogfights (TV series)
- Executive Order 9981
- Freeman Field Mutiny
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
References
- ^ "Allen Public Library Presents: Tuskegee Airman Lt. Calvin Spann - The City of Allen, TX". Allen Public Library Presents. 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.
- ISBN 978-0-19-538655-4by Moye, J. Todd
- ^ Megan Gibson. "Tuskegee Airman Who Flew 26 Missions Over Germany Dies at 90". Time.
- ^ "North Texas Funeral Held for Tuskegee Airman Calvin Spann". NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth.
- ^ Philadelphia Tribune obituary
- ^ "Tuskegee Airman presented Congressional Gold Medal of Honor". Kirtland.af.mil. 2007-08-08. Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2013-08-24.
Further reading
- Freedom Flyers The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II ISBN 978-0-19-538655-4by Moye, J. Todd
- Boundless Sky "The Journey of LT. Calvin Spann, Tuskegee Airman ISBN 978-0-69220-406-1Author Calvin J Spann, Written by: Jonathan Singleton, Created by Lindell Singleton