Colonel Earl Newlan Franklin (January 26, 1917 – November 11, 2003) was born in Joliet, Illinois. He is one of the original Tuskegee Airmen,^[1] along with his brother George.^{[citation needed]}

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Franklin was a graduate of the second Tuskegee class and stayed on the base as a flight instructor and pilot. He saw active service in Germany, France and Greece.^[1]

In the early 1970s Franklin acted as the Regional Exchange Commander in Vietnam. He also served as Chief of the Air Force Services Office in Philadelphia. A role from which he retired after 35 years of service.^[1]

Franklin was married to Marion T. Franklin (née Hall). They had a son, James M. Franklin and grandson, James E. Franklin. He was step-grandfather to Shaney. His siblings were Bertha McDonald, Odis Franklin, Donzanella Spivie and Donald Franklin.^[1]

Franklin resided in Cherry Hill, New Jersey from 1968 until his death on Veterans Day 2003. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. ^{[citation needed]}