Education
He attended Rutherford High School.
He attended Rutherford High School.
Spann received his wings from the Tuskegee Flight School as a part of the graduating class of 44G. During Spann"s wartime service (1944–1946), he was assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group under the command of Colonel Benjamin O. Davis Junior., who on September 2, 1941, was the first African American officer to solo an aircraft under the United States. 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, from Ramitelli, Italy, to Berlin, Germany, to destroy a Daimler-Benz manufacturing facility under the leadership of his squadron commander, Captain Roscoe Brown.
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. He is buried in East Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clifton, New Jersey.
Tuskegee Airmen]
As a member of the United States Army Air Corps, he served in Europe during World World War II, where Spann flew 26 combat missions before the end of the war in the European Theatre.
