Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at government buildings in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, Aug. 1, to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Chief Petty Officer Sean Patrick Sullivan.
Chief Petty Officer Sullivan, age 40, of St. Louis, was a sailor in the U.S. Navy stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He died on July 19 of injuries sustained when his MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter crashed while conducting heavy lift support operations in Oman.
In addition to the flags statewide, Gov. Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at all government buildings in St. Louis County be flown at half-staff from Aug. 2 to Aug. 7.
“Chief Petty Officer Sullivan served our country with bravery and dedication, and I ask all Missourians to remember his sacrifice when they see the lowered flags,” Gov. Nixon said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn for him.”
Chief Petty Officer Sullivan’s awards and decorations include the Air Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 Gold Stars, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with 2 Bronze Stars, Navy Good Conduct Medal with Silver Star and Gold Star, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Silver Star, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with Silver Star, NATO Kosovo Medal, Navy Rifle Ribbon (Expert), Navy Pistol Ribbon (Expert), Army Achievement Medal, Navy “E” Ribbon, and Iraq Campaign Medal.