WHEREAS, Johnny Micheal "Mike" Spann, a United States Central Intelligence Agency officer, was killed in action in northern Afghanistan while interrogating Taliban prisoners; and

WHEREAS, Mike Spann is the first American to be killed in action while serving his country in the war against terrorism in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Mike Spann died fighting terrorism, defending freedom, and serving his country, and his loss warrants the citizens of the State of South Carolina to appropriately show respect for his heroic service and supreme sacrifice.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Governor, pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of the State of South Carolina and of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flags of the United States and the State of South Carolina be flown at half-staff upon all state buildings and grounds until sunset Friday, November 30, 2001 in honor of Johnny Micheal Spann.