CREED A. SEWELL, LTJG, USNR

From USNA Virtual Memorial Hall
Creed Sewell '62

Date of birth: February 5, 1940

Date of death: January 26, 1964

Age: 23

Naval Academy Register

Creed Arthur Sewell was admitted to the Naval Academy from Oklahoma on June 30, 1958 at age 18 years 5 months. His date of birth is given as February 5, 1940.

He resigned on June 23, 1960; he was "Deficient in studies. Reexamined and again deficient. Discharged under honorable conditions."

Loss

Creed was lost on January 26, 1964 when the jet trainer he was piloting crashed off the coast of San Diego. He was a member of Utility Squadron (VU) 7.

Other Information

From the April 1964 issue of Shipmate:

On 26 January 1964 George Schwetzer sent me a clipping from the San Diego paper telling of the death of Lt. (jg) CREED ART SEWELL who was killed when his T -33 jet trainer crashed into the sea off North Island Naval Air Station. Art was a member of the 14th company until mid-semester of our youngster year and starred in athletics while at the Academy. Witnesses say the aircraft was falling almost straight down. At about 200 feet Sewell gained partial control but was unable to bring the plane out of its plunge. According to observers there was no explosion or fire. Art was married and lived at 1381 Palm Ave., San Diego, Calif.

Many of us knew Art quite well. He was a fine, outstanding man and capable officer. In his passing we have lost much. I would like to convey condolences and respect to his family from the class.

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Creed attended Harlandale High School in 1955 as a freshman. He then attended Texas Military Institution in San Antonio where his father, M/Sgt. Lester E. Sewell, was an instructor. In 1956, Creed was in “B” Company, played football and tennis, and was on the Honor Guard. In his senior year, Creed played back for the football team, but in one game, he was the quarterback. Playing the Texas School for the Deaf on September 27, 1957, he completed 11 of 23 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns. He took one touchdown in himself. He also was on the Varsity Track team. In the Class Will: he left his versatile ability in all fields of endeavor. He then attended Annapolis for two years.

In April 1962 he was designated a naval aviator at the Naval Auxiliary Air Station, New Iberia, La.

In addition to his wife, Kathleen, he was survived by his parents and two brothers. He is buried in Texas. His headstone indicates he was from Oklahoma.

Photographs

Remembrances

From Find A Grave:

I worked for Ltjg Sewell in the squadron where he was killed in San Diego, CA. I remember him well. He was killed in the flight of a T-33 aircraft. He had a flame out next to North Island jetty and went in. He was still strapped into the aircraft when the divers went in to get him out. He was my division officer. Glad that he is remembered.

Memorial Hall Error

Creed is not listed with his classmates. This omission was discovered while reviewing Shipmate magazine.

His loss is listed correctly in the Register of Alumni, including rank, service, date, and location.


Class of 1962

Ronald is one of 30 members of the Class of 1962 on Virtual Memorial Hall.

QR code

The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.