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Calvin J. Spann

Lieutenant (Ret.) Calvin J. Spann served as a fighter pilot with the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. Spann received his wings at Tuskegee, graduating in Class 44G. He trained in the P-47 Thunderbolts in Walterboro, South Carolina, in preparation for overseas combat duty. He was a member of the 100th fighter squadron which was part of the legendary 332nd Fighter Group. Spann flew 26 combat missions, completing his tour in Italy.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military Airmen in the United States. From 1940 to 1946, just under 1,000 men trained in Tuskegee, Alabama, to become pilots, bombardiers or navigators for World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen distinguished themselves for their bravery and were instrumental in the integration of the Armed Forces. In 2006, all of the Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor.

Today, Spann travels around the country, speaking with young people and telling the stories of the Tuskegee Airmen.