Sean Harvell, Long Beach war hero found dead, was 'loyal, fuy, fierce and courageous'

A Long Beach war veteran found dead Tuesday was one of just three airmen to receive two Silver Stars for action in combat, the military said Wednesday.

Officials with the U.S. Air Force Special Tactics division said Sean Harvell, a 33-year-old retired Combat Controller, eaed two Silver Stars, a Purple Heart and multiple Bronze Stars over several deployments.

Harvell was found drowned in the water off Alamitos Beach early Tuesday.

Only seven U.S. military service members overall have received two Silver Stars since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, according to the Air Force.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of Sean,” Col. Michael Flatten, 24th Special Operations Wing vice commander, said in a statement. “Sean served his nation admirably, often in the face of insurmountable odds. He was a fierce warrior on the battlefield, and an incredible brother to those who served alongside him. He was larger than life.”

As a Special Tactics Combat Controller, Harvell received a variety of training: static line and military freefall jumping, combat diving and joint terminal attack control conducting close air support strikes during combat.

He was medically retired after almost a decade of service, according to the Air Force. Previous reports referred to Harvell as a staff sergeant but he was promoted to the rank of technical sergeant prior to retirement.

“Sean Harvell was a man who left everyone who met him with their own memory and story,” said retired Chief Master Sgt. John Thomas, in a statement. “He overcame, he persevered, whether on the battlefield or everyday life. He was easy to love because of what he gave back to those he cared about. Loyal, fuy, fierce and courageous. He changed my life when I met him and his passing will change it again.”

Harvell is preceded in death by his brother, Staff Sgt. Andrew Harvell, who was also a combat controller. Andrew was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011.

“The Special Tactics community is absolutely committed to honoring Sean,” Flatten said. “He was the epitome of service before self; he was the kind of Airman who would readily sacrifice himself for his brother, his teammates, and the mission. It’s a terrible loss to the Air Force and special operations community, and we will never forget what Andy and Sean gave in service to their country.”

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The investigation into Harvell’s death is continuing. The Los Angeles County Coroner will determine a cause of death.

More to come.

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