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King High Remembers Project

Col. John D. McSpadden, born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1935, served honorably in the Air Force during the Vietnam War and the Cold War. After attending Miami University and West Point, he completed rigorous flight training and flew over 150 combat missions in B-52s during the Vietnam conflict. Post-retirement in 1977, he worked in flight operations for various airlines, including FedEx. Now residing in Canyon Lake, California, Col. McSpadden remains active in West Point clubs and veteran societies, embodying a legacy of service and dedication to his country.

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King High Remembers Project

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  1. King High Remembers Project Col. John D. McSpadden Air Force Vietnam and Cold War Alexandra Mardirosian Brandon Harris Per. 6 Mrs. Barnard

  2. Early Life • Born in Memphis Tennessee on August 16, 1935 • Moved to Battle Creek Michigan a year later in 1935 • After living in Michigan for two years he moved to Cleveland Ohio in 1937 • He then moved to Geneva Ohio in 1941 after living in Cleveland, Ohio for four years

  3. Education • Geneva Grade School • Geneva High School • Miami University of Ohio on a JROTC scholarship from Sep. 1952 to May 1953 • Received an appointment to West Point in 1953 while at Miami University • Attended the United States Military Academy at West Point from July 5, 1953 till graduation on June 4, 1957

  4. Training • Sent to Graham Air Force Base, Fl for primary pilot training in July 1957 • Graduated in March of 1958 • Went to Webb Air Force Base, Texas in May 1958 for Basic Fighter Pilot Training • He then washed out in August 1958 because of a reduction in the number of fighter aircraft at the time • Attended Harlingen Air Force Base, Texas in September 1958 for primary navigation training • Graduated first in the class in May 1959 • Sent to advanced bombardment training at Mather Air Force Base in May • Graduated in December of 1959 • Was sent to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arizona in January 1960 for B-47 combat crew training and completed his training in June 1960

  5. First Mission • First operational assignment was in Chennault Air Force Base, Louisiana as a navigator in July 1960

  6. Service • In April of 1966 Larson AFB closed causing him to relocate to March Air Force Base • Flew B-52’s out of March AFB for the next for years • Was sent on temporary duty to Anderson AFB, Guam and U-Tapao Royal AFB, Thailand five times to fly air raids over Vietnam • Flew over 150 missions during this period • December 1972, 100 stage 11 bomb raids in Haiphong to free POW’s

  7. Service • Upon return from Thailand in April of 1973 he was made Chief of Operations for the 17th Bomb Wing • In 1975 the 17th Bomb Wing was closed down • Sent to Carswell AFB, Texas • There he was made Chief of Moral and Welfare

  8. Picture of Receiving 100 Mission Patch

  9. His Wife, Karen

  10. Children

  11. Pictures of Family

  12. Awards Received

  13. Retirement From the Air Force • In September 1977 he retired from the Air Force after being a Colonel for 20 years

  14. Work After Retirement • Him and his family moved back to Riverside in 1977 • Worked as a flight operations analyst for the Flying Tigers Airline • In 1989 Fedex bought out Flying Tigers and he worked for Fedex for a few months • After that he worked at EDS and made flight plans for many airlines • After EDS was bought out by Systems One he held the same job

  15. Retirement • In September 1994 he was forced to retire when he discovered he had a back problem and had a major operation that would restrict him to drive to Los Angles five times a week

  16. He now resides with his wife Karen in Canyon Lake, California and stays active is West Point clubs and Veteran societies.

  17. Current Picture

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