William Seawell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brig. Gen. William Seawell United States Air Force
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | January 27, 1918 Pine Bluff, Arkansas |
| Died | May 20, 2005 (aged 87) Pine Bluff, Arkansas |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941–1963 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Silver Star Distinguished Flying Cross (4) |
William Thomas Seawell (January 27, 1918 – May 20, 2005) was a brave brigadier general in the United States Air Force. He was also a very important leader for Pan Am, a famous airline.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Seawell was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He went to the University of Arkansas but left early to join the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. West Point is a special school for training military officers. He graduated from West Point in 1941. Later, in 1949, he earned a law degree from Harvard University.
Serving His Country
After graduating from West Point, William Seawell became a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He learned to fly and earned his pilot wings in 1942.
World War II Hero
During World War II, Seawell led a group of bomber planes in Europe. He was very brave and earned many awards for his service. These awards included the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also received the Croix de Guerre from France.
Air Force Leadership
After the war, the U.S. Air Force became its own separate military branch. William Seawell became an officer in this new Air Force. He continued to lead different air commands. In 1958, he became a special assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force. From 1961 to 1963, he was the Commandant of Cadets at the United States Air Force Academy. This meant he was in charge of all the students training to become Air Force officers.
Life After the Military
After leaving the Air Force, William Seawell worked in the airline industry.
Working with Airlines
He spent two years with the Air Transport Association. Then, in 1965, he became a senior leader at American Airlines. He also worked as the president of Rolls-Royce Aero Engines, which makes engines for airplanes.
Leading Pan Am
In 1971, Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) asked him to join their team. He became the president and Chief Operating Officer. A year later, he was named the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Pan Am. He led the company until he retired in 1981.
William Seawell passed away on May 20, 2005, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
