John G. Witherspoon
John Gordon Witherspoon, Sr. (August 26, 1939 – January 4, 1994) was a distinguished sailor in the United States Coast Guard. Born in Yadkin Valley, North Carolina and raised in Lenoir, North Carolina, Witherspoon started his military career in the United States Army and later enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1963, where, after promotion to Quartermaster First Class, he was invited to attended Officer training school, and was commissioned an ensign, in 1971. Witherspoon would eventually command three Coast Guard cutters, Mallow, Valiant and Dependable, and rise to the rank of captain. He was only the second individual of African-American descent to command a cutter, and was the first individual of African-American descent to command a Coast Guard base.
John G. Witherspoon, Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 26, 1939 Yadkin Valley, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | January 4, 1994 (aged 54) New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | John Gordon Witherspoon John G. Witherspoon Papa Spoon |
| Occupation | sailor |
| Known for | Only the second individual of African-American descent to command a Coast Guard Cutter |
Witherspoon died on January 4, 1994, in New Orleans, Louisiana and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.