RADM Speer passed away in his boyhood hometown of Ridgway, Pennsylvania on July 8 2017. The middle child of Stuart and Julia Speer of Ridgway, he is survived by his brother William Speer of Concord, North Carolina, his sister Mary Francis Bressler of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and a multitude of nieces and nephews who greatly miss his presence. He was preceded in death by his brother Stuart Jr. of Owensboro, Kentucky, and late sister Julie Schultz of Cortland, Ohio.
Speer married Jenny Nagy in 1951; they met at an air show and were married six months later. They called the San Diego area home, and resided in Coronado since 1974. Speer once said during an interview for a newspaper article that his proudest moment was being married to the same woman for over 50 years and for making an impact on young people. After 56 wonderful years of marriage Jenny passed away after a prolonged illness. Paul and Jenny were both preceded in death by their son Paul Steven Speer.
Upon graduating from high school Speer entered the Navy as a Flying Midshipman and fought in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a graduate of the University of California Berkeley, and went on to command the USS Blue Ridge, USS Constellation, US Naval Forces Japan, and Carrier Group One. Speer retired from the Navy in 1983 as Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic. RADM Speer was a recipient of the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star with Combat “V” and 23 Air Medals.
Speer’s retirement didn’t last long as he went back to work as President of AMEX Systems Inc in San Diego and Mojave, California. After retiring from AMEX, Speer was appointed to the Port Commission of San Diego where he served for eight years. He was also featured on the History Channel’s “Dogfights – The Last Gunfighter” episode in 2006.
The greatest testament to Speer’s life was his intelligence and calm demeanor which served as an inspiration to his family, friends, coworkers, and even those that only knew him casually. He was an outstanding public speaker that could capture the imagination of large groups or individuals with his many stories of the golden age of aviation.
Private services are to be held at a later date. Speer’s remains will be scattered at sea.
For those wishing to honor his memory, contributions can be made to Naval Services FamilyLine (http://www.nsfamilyline.org/site/donate) or the Wingman Foundation (http://www.wingmanfoundation.org/takeaction/).
From the Coronado Eagle & Journal Thursday, July 20, 2017 2:34 pm
_________________________________________________________________________________________
See Also This Award for His Outstanding Military Service During War
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/4273
Navy Cross Citation
"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Paul Harold Speer (NSN: 0-507584), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 19 May 1967 as a pilot in Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VF-211), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31). As the flight leader of six F-8 aircraft assigned to escort and provide target combat air patrol for two A4 aircraft during a strike against a thermal power plant in North Vietnam, Commander Speer demonstrated outstanding leadership and airmanship in the planning and execution of the defense of the strike group. Encountering an intense barrage of about twenty-five surface-to-air missiles, and under attack from enemy MIGs, he pressed on toward the target, maintaining flight discipline and integrity. Despite increasingly heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, his flight successfully defended the bombers who scored direct hits on the target, causing extensive damage. During retirement from the target area, Commander Speer sighted a MIG closing dangerously to attack the A-4s. Through his skillful execution of tactical maneuvers, he was able to fire two sidewinders at the MIG, causing it to dive into the ground and explode on impact. Continuing the retirement, his flight downed two other enemy aircraft with sidewinders and damaged another by 20-mm. cannon fire. By his superior airmanship, leadership and sound tactical judgment, Commander Speer contributed greatly to the successful execution of this mission, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Speer married Jenny Nagy in 1951; they met at an air show and were married six months later. They called the San Diego area home, and resided in Coronado since 1974. Speer once said during an interview for a newspaper article that his proudest moment was being married to the same woman for over 50 years and for making an impact on young people. After 56 wonderful years of marriage Jenny passed away after a prolonged illness. Paul and Jenny were both preceded in death by their son Paul Steven Speer.
Upon graduating from high school Speer entered the Navy as a Flying Midshipman and fought in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a graduate of the University of California Berkeley, and went on to command the USS Blue Ridge, USS Constellation, US Naval Forces Japan, and Carrier Group One. Speer retired from the Navy in 1983 as Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic. RADM Speer was a recipient of the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star with Combat “V” and 23 Air Medals.
Speer’s retirement didn’t last long as he went back to work as President of AMEX Systems Inc in San Diego and Mojave, California. After retiring from AMEX, Speer was appointed to the Port Commission of San Diego where he served for eight years. He was also featured on the History Channel’s “Dogfights – The Last Gunfighter” episode in 2006.
The greatest testament to Speer’s life was his intelligence and calm demeanor which served as an inspiration to his family, friends, coworkers, and even those that only knew him casually. He was an outstanding public speaker that could capture the imagination of large groups or individuals with his many stories of the golden age of aviation.
Private services are to be held at a later date. Speer’s remains will be scattered at sea.
For those wishing to honor his memory, contributions can be made to Naval Services FamilyLine (http://www.nsfamilyline.org/site/donate) or the Wingman Foundation (http://www.wingmanfoundation.org/takeaction/).
From the Coronado Eagle & Journal Thursday, July 20, 2017 2:34 pm
_________________________________________________________________________________________
See Also This Award for His Outstanding Military Service During War
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/4273
Navy Cross Citation
"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Paul Harold Speer (NSN: 0-507584), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 19 May 1967 as a pilot in Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VF-211), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31). As the flight leader of six F-8 aircraft assigned to escort and provide target combat air patrol for two A4 aircraft during a strike against a thermal power plant in North Vietnam, Commander Speer demonstrated outstanding leadership and airmanship in the planning and execution of the defense of the strike group. Encountering an intense barrage of about twenty-five surface-to-air missiles, and under attack from enemy MIGs, he pressed on toward the target, maintaining flight discipline and integrity. Despite increasingly heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, his flight successfully defended the bombers who scored direct hits on the target, causing extensive damage. During retirement from the target area, Commander Speer sighted a MIG closing dangerously to attack the A-4s. Through his skillful execution of tactical maneuvers, he was able to fire two sidewinders at the MIG, causing it to dive into the ground and explode on impact. Continuing the retirement, his flight downed two other enemy aircraft with sidewinders and damaged another by 20-mm. cannon fire. By his superior airmanship, leadership and sound tactical judgment, Commander Speer contributed greatly to the successful execution of this mission, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
__________________________________________________________________________________________
RADM Speer passed away in his boyhood hometown of Ridgway, Pennsylvania on July 8 2017. The middle child of Stuart and Julia Speer of Ridgway, he is survived by his brother William Speer of Concord, North Carolina, his sister Mary Francis Bressler of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and a multitude of nieces and nephews who greatly miss his presence. He was preceded in death by his brother Stuart Jr. of Owensboro, Kentucky, and late sister Julie Schultz of Cortland, Ohio.
Speer married Jenny Nagy in 1951; they met at an air show and were married six months later. They called the San Diego area home, and resided in Coronado since 1974. Speer once said during an interview for a newspaper article that his proudest moment was being married to the same woman for over 50 years and for making an impact on young people. After 56 wonderful years of marriage Jenny passed away after a prolonged illness. Paul and Jenny were both preceded in death by their son Paul Steven Speer.
Upon graduating from high school Speer entered the Navy as a Flying Midshipman and fought in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a graduate of the University of California Berkeley, and went on to command the USS Blue Ridge, USS Constellation, US Naval Forces Japan, and Carrier Group One. Speer retired from the Navy in 1983 as Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic. RADM Speer was a recipient of the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star with Combat “V” and 23 Air Medals.
Speer’s retirement didn’t last long as he went back to work as President of AMEX Systems Inc in San Diego and Mojave, California. After retiring from AMEX, Speer was appointed to the Port Commission of San Diego where he served for eight years. He was also featured on the History Channel’s “Dogfights – The Last Gunfighter” episode in 2006.
The greatest testament to Speer’s life was his intelligence and calm demeanor which served as an inspiration to his family, friends, coworkers, and even those that only knew him casually. He was an outstanding public speaker that could capture the imagination of large groups or individuals with his many stories of the golden age of aviation.
Private services are to be held at a later date. Speer’s remains will be scattered at sea.
For those wishing to honor his memory, contributions can be made to Naval Services FamilyLine (http://www.nsfamilyline.org/site/donate) or the Wingman Foundation (http://www.wingmanfoundation.org/takeaction/).
From the Coronado Eagle & Journal Thursday, July 20, 2017 2:34 pm
_________________________________________________________________________________________
See Also This Award for His Outstanding Military Service During War
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/4273
Navy Cross Citation
"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Paul Harold Speer (NSN: 0-507584), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 19 May 1967 as a pilot in Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VF-211), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31). As the flight leader of six F-8 aircraft assigned to escort and provide target combat air patrol for two A4 aircraft during a strike against a thermal power plant in North Vietnam, Commander Speer demonstrated outstanding leadership and airmanship in the planning and execution of the defense of the strike group. Encountering an intense barrage of about twenty-five surface-to-air missiles, and under attack from enemy MIGs, he pressed on toward the target, maintaining flight discipline and integrity. Despite increasingly heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, his flight successfully defended the bombers who scored direct hits on the target, causing extensive damage. During retirement from the target area, Commander Speer sighted a MIG closing dangerously to attack the A-4s. Through his skillful execution of tactical maneuvers, he was able to fire two sidewinders at the MIG, causing it to dive into the ground and explode on impact. Continuing the retirement, his flight downed two other enemy aircraft with sidewinders and damaged another by 20-mm. cannon fire. By his superior airmanship, leadership and sound tactical judgment, Commander Speer contributed greatly to the successful execution of this mission, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Speer married Jenny Nagy in 1951; they met at an air show and were married six months later. They called the San Diego area home, and resided in Coronado since 1974. Speer once said during an interview for a newspaper article that his proudest moment was being married to the same woman for over 50 years and for making an impact on young people. After 56 wonderful years of marriage Jenny passed away after a prolonged illness. Paul and Jenny were both preceded in death by their son Paul Steven Speer.
Upon graduating from high school Speer entered the Navy as a Flying Midshipman and fought in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a graduate of the University of California Berkeley, and went on to command the USS Blue Ridge, USS Constellation, US Naval Forces Japan, and Carrier Group One. Speer retired from the Navy in 1983 as Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic. RADM Speer was a recipient of the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star with Combat “V” and 23 Air Medals.
Speer’s retirement didn’t last long as he went back to work as President of AMEX Systems Inc in San Diego and Mojave, California. After retiring from AMEX, Speer was appointed to the Port Commission of San Diego where he served for eight years. He was also featured on the History Channel’s “Dogfights – The Last Gunfighter” episode in 2006.
The greatest testament to Speer’s life was his intelligence and calm demeanor which served as an inspiration to his family, friends, coworkers, and even those that only knew him casually. He was an outstanding public speaker that could capture the imagination of large groups or individuals with his many stories of the golden age of aviation.
Private services are to be held at a later date. Speer’s remains will be scattered at sea.
For those wishing to honor his memory, contributions can be made to Naval Services FamilyLine (http://www.nsfamilyline.org/site/donate) or the Wingman Foundation (http://www.wingmanfoundation.org/takeaction/).
From the Coronado Eagle & Journal Thursday, July 20, 2017 2:34 pm
_________________________________________________________________________________________
See Also This Award for His Outstanding Military Service During War
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/4273
Navy Cross Citation
"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Paul Harold Speer (NSN: 0-507584), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 19 May 1967 as a pilot in Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VF-211), embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31). As the flight leader of six F-8 aircraft assigned to escort and provide target combat air patrol for two A4 aircraft during a strike against a thermal power plant in North Vietnam, Commander Speer demonstrated outstanding leadership and airmanship in the planning and execution of the defense of the strike group. Encountering an intense barrage of about twenty-five surface-to-air missiles, and under attack from enemy MIGs, he pressed on toward the target, maintaining flight discipline and integrity. Despite increasingly heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, his flight successfully defended the bombers who scored direct hits on the target, causing extensive damage. During retirement from the target area, Commander Speer sighted a MIG closing dangerously to attack the A-4s. Through his skillful execution of tactical maneuvers, he was able to fire two sidewinders at the MIG, causing it to dive into the ground and explode on impact. Continuing the retirement, his flight downed two other enemy aircraft with sidewinders and damaged another by 20-mm. cannon fire. By his superior airmanship, leadership and sound tactical judgment, Commander Speer contributed greatly to the successful execution of this mission, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
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