The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Major Martin B. Spann, United States Army National Guard, for heroism on 11 December 1998, in the city of Los Angeles, California. Major Martin B. Spann observed a burning three-story building, the Martin Luther King Hotel, at the intersection of 5th Street and Naomi Avenue, which housed mentally challenged and disabled residents. With disregard for his personal safety and imminent danger to himself, Major Spann entered the burning structure and began evacuating the residents, which included carrying a woman on his back outside to safety. While suffering from exhaustion, burns and smoke inhalation, he continued to re-enter the building and evacuate residents of the hotel building to safety. Major Spann re-entered the building again, located a wall mounted fire hose and attempted to extinguish the fire until he was relieved by the firefighters who had arrived at the scene. His response undoubtedly saved the lives of fellow Californians. Major Spann’s heroic action is in the highest tradition of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army National Guard.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
September 11, 2004 – July 1, 2005
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Martin B. Spann, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service in connection with military operations as the Assistance Support Team Officer supporting the Iraqi Special Police Commandos with the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II and III from 11 September 2004 to 1 July 2005. Lieutenant Colonel Spann’s dedication, professionalism, and inspirational desire to accomplish any and all missions, including establishment of a Ministry of Interior Special Police Forces Basic Training Academy, were pivotal factors in accelerating Iraq’s transition to democracy. Lieutenant Colonel Spann consistently demonstrated great courage, initiative and remarkable composure under fire while participating in combat operations in Baghdad, Samarrah, and Salman Par, Iraq. His dynamic leadership and unparalleled achievements significantly improved the capabilities, credibility and professionalism of the Special Police Commandos that dramatically aided to stability and security of Iraq. His dynamic leadership and unparalleled achievements were a pivotal factor in developing and sustaining Iraqi Security Forces in order to support Iraq’s ultimate goal of a unified, stable, and democratic Iraq. The singularly outstanding accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Spann are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
May 10 – October 4, 2008
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Martin B. Spann, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service to the United States as Advisor and Liaison Officer to the Minister of Interior, Ministry of Interior Transition Team, Directorate of Interior Affairs, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq, from 10 May 2008 to 4 October 2008, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Colonel Spann was personally selected by the Commanding General, Multi-National Force – Iraq, as a Special Assistant and charged with mentoring, coaching, and winning the human terrain dimension with the Iraqi Minister of Interior and the Senior Officers of the Ministry of Interior. His personal courage in combat operations in Mosul, Iraq, won the respect of the Coalition Forces. Lieutenant Colonel Spann honored the finest traditions of Military Service and reflected distinct credit upon himself, the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, and the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
ColonelAction Date:
October 10, 2010 – August 15, 2011
Permanent Order # 201-007 (July 20, 2011)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Martin B. Spann, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Senior Advisor to Afghan National Civil Order Police, Assistant Commanding General for Police Development from 10 October 2010 to 15 August 2011 during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. His dedicated service, outstanding professionalism, and unwavering determination contributed to the overall success of the mission and significantly enhanced the total readiness of the Afghan National Security Forces. His endowment is a professionalized, empowered, self-reliant, and stewardship partner force. Colonel Spann’s action are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan and Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.