The first American killed in the Afghan war, during a prisoner uprising in northern Afghanistan. On November 25, 2001.
We have written of Mike Spann several times before, Remembering Johnny “Mike” Spann:
The story of this small band of men has been told, but not told enough.
Spann was killed during the Battle of Qala-i-Jangi when Taliban prisoners gained access to weapons and attacked.
Spann was killed during that uprising (see video). One of the prisoners was the so-called American Taliban, John Walker Lyndh, who Spann interrogated shortly before Spann’s death.
Spann’s wife Shannon also worked for the CIA. In addition to his wife, Spann left behind two daughters and an infant son
Spann’s family established a website to honor his life, and there is a wealth of information and photos at his Arlington National Cemetery page.
There is an interesting honor paid to Spann at the website of Afghan General and Warlord Abdul Radhis Dostum, including a link to a photo of the memorial to Spann at the site of the uprising in which he died.
We also had follow up posts:
Now meet his oldest child, daughter Alison:
CNN has an in-depth profile.
(Featured Image: Shannon Spann and family at Arlington Cemetary via YouTube)
DONATE
Donations tax deductible
to the full extent allowed by law.
Comments
Spann is why that jihadist bastard John Walker Lind, or whatever he calls himself, should never go free. Never ever ever. Spann’s sweet kids have to grow up without a father because Lind wanted to look, sound, and act like an Arab jihadist. Lind should’ve been shot.
Mike Spann and his family, may God remember them in mercy.
God bless Mike Spann and his family. I’m unclear why it’s important who was the first killed. All of our military heroes deserve to be honored with the same respect and gratitude.
Walker Lind could’ve saved Spann’s life by speaking up. Instead, he didn’t, preferring to betray America and an American on the battlefield. That’s why Spann’s being the first to die is important. It’s the circumstances.