Frank Wilbur Wead | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nickname(s) | Spig, Sparrow |
| Born | 24 October 1895 Peoria, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | 15 November 1947 (aged 52) Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | Springdale Cemetery and Mausoleum, Peoria, Illinois |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1916–26, 1941–44 |
| Rank | Commander |
| Spouse(s) |
Minnie Louise (Bryant) Hutchinson
(m. 1916) |
| Relations |
|
| Other work | Screenwriter |
Frank Wilbur[N 1] "Spig" Wead (24 October 1895 – 15 November 1947) was a U.S. Navy aviator who helped promote United States Naval aviation from its inception through World War II. Commander Wead was a recognized authority on early aviation. Following a crippling spinal injury in 1926, Wead was placed on the retired list. In the 1930s, he became a screenwriter, becoming involved in more than 30 movies. He also published several books, short stories and magazine articles. During World War II, he returned to active duty. He initially worked in a planning role, but later undertook sea duty in the Pacific, where he saw action against the Japanese in 1943–44 before being placed on the retired list in mid-1945.
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