Fairmont in Marion County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

The Colonel George S. "Spanky" Roberts, USAF Memorial Bridge

Photographed By Bradley Owen, June 7, 2021

1. The Colonel George S. "Spanky" Roberts, USAF Memorial Bridge Marker

Inscription. Named in honor of local American hero, "Spanky" Roberts (1918-84), grad. of Dunbar H. S. & WV State College. 1st African-Am. aviation cadet, Tuskegee, 1941. Comm. 2nd Lt. & pilot in 1942; flew over 100 missions in Africa, Europe & Mid-East, commanded 99th Fighter Sq., and 332nd Fighter Group in WW II. Decorated for meritorious service in WW II, Korea, & 25 year career.

Erected 1999 by West Virginia Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Air & Space • Bridges & Viaducts • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.

Location. 39° 29.036′ N, 80° 8.721′ W. Marker is in Fairmont, West Virginia, in Marion County. Marker is at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue (U.S. 250) and Fairmont Avenue (U.S. 250), on the right when traveling south on Cleveland Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 309 Cleveland Ave, Fairmont WV 26554, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Francis H. Pierpont (within shouting distance of this marker); Julia Robertson Pierpont (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Colonel George S. “Spanky” Roberts, USAF Memorial Bridge

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(about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sheriff's House (about 600 feet away); The Original Dunbar School (about 600 feet away); Boaz Fleming (about 600 feet away); Marion County Courthouse (about 700 feet away); Fairmont (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairmont.

More about this marker. An identical marker stands at the opposite end of the bridge.

Photographed By Bradley Owen, June 7, 2021

2. The Colonel George S. "Spanky" Roberts, USAF Memorial Bridge Marker

The Colonel George S. "Spanky" Roberts, USAF Memorial Bridge, looking southward image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bradley Owen, June 7, 2021

3. The Colonel George S. "Spanky" Roberts, USAF Memorial Bridge, looking southward

Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 9, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.