Asp, Melvin B., 1893-1964.

Melvin B. Asp (1893-1964) was born in Pueblo, Colorado. His family moved to Tampa, Florida in 1907. After graduating from Hillsborough High School in 1913, Asp left Tampa to attend the University of Minnesota. In 1917, he became a cadet in the U.S. Army’s flying service, beginning a 33-year career in Army aviation. From 1941 to 1944, he served as commanding officer of Tampa’s Drew Field (now Tampa International Airport) with orders to transform the semi-swampy area into a modern air base. After leaving Drew Field, he served in North Africa, then as Deputy Commander for the China Air Service Command. In May 1946, Asp returned to Tampa to oversee the closing of Drew Field as a military post. He then served in Germany during the Berlin air lift. Asp retired from the military in 1949 and returned to Tampa, where he lived until his death.

From the guide to the Colonel Melvin B. Asp Collection, 1910-1956, (USF Tampa Library - Special & Digital Collections)

Melvin B. Asp was born in Colorado, but moved to Tampa, Florida with his family in 1907. After graduating from Hillsborough High School in 1913, Asp attended the University of Minnesota. In 1917 he became a cadet in the U.S. Army's flying service, beginning a 33-year career in Army aviation. From 1941 to 1944, Asp served as commanding officer of Tampa's Drew Field (now Tampa International Airport). He also saw war-time service in North Africa, China and Germany.

From the description of [Papers], 1910-1956 / Melvin B. Asp. (University of South Florida). WorldCat record id: 244251904