Andrew James Creighton, or A.J., as his friends and family called 

him, was a native son of the Lone Star State. Born in Galveston, 

Texas, A.J. would spend much of his youth in the small Texas town of 

Cuero. Because of its vast number of turkey farms, Cuero is known 

as “The Turkey Capital of the World.” In high school, A.J. was proud 

to play football for the Cuero High team, appropriately known as 

the Gobblers. After his freshman year, A.J. would move to Sussex 

County, Delaware. At Sussex Tech he would depart the gridiron for 

the band room where he became proficient on the baritone, trumpet, 

and tuba. Additionally, he would continue to pursue and achieve 

excellence in the fields of science, math, and technology. Even more 

impressive than his intelligence, perhaps, was his ability to connect 

with people, a talent that would remain with him throughout his life. 

 After high school, A.J. considered several possible career paths, including applying to West Point, but 

after much thought, he decided to enlist in the United State Army. After basic training, he would receive 

additional cryptologic and language training and would eventually be assigned to the 1st Special Forces 

Group (SFG) out of Ft. Lewis, Washington. The 1st SFG is a proud and accomplished unit whose lineage 

dates back to 1957. Since that time, the unit has participated in the Vietnam War and countless other 

conflicts in the defense of freedom 

After joining the 1st SFG, A.J. would volunteer for duty in Afghanistan and would develop into a 

brave, determined warrior. His father would note that he was a man who never missed an opportunity 

and took life head on. A detachment sergeant would note that, “A.J. was always on the front lines 

no matter how difficult or dangerous the mission.” Over time, his versatile and creative approach to 

problems, technical and otherwise, earned him the reputation as a jack-of-all-trades and an innovative 

problem solver. Due to these unique qualities, he played a vital role in helping his commanders to 

acquire and protect the kind of critical information that can often make the difference between victory 

and defeat on the battlefield. 
Visit our web site, http://www.nsa.gov

MEMORIAL DAY 2012

Throughout history, those who fight our Nation’s wars have always 

faced grave peril due to the nature of combat. However, it is also true 

that military life in general is often fraught with danger and frequently 

the terrain a unit faces can often present as much of a challenge as enemy 

fire. It was just such a challenge that would result in SGT Creighton 

losing his life.

On July 1, 2010, SGT Creighton was on the move with his unit, 

returning from an important mission in Afghanistan. While on a highpriority mission, SGT Creighton’s unit’s location was compromised by 

insurgents. During an exfiltration maneuver, the unit attempted to cross 

a river, and A.J. and another Soldier were swept off their feet by the 

current. Both men struggled against raging waters, but only one made it 

to the river bank. A.J. would be found days later on the 4th of July.

SGT Andrew Creighton’s short but accomplished life 

had come to an end, but his legacy and accomplishments 

would never be forgotten by the host of friends and 

family members who understandably admired and 

looked up to him as the embodiment of a true American 

hero. For his service in combat he would posthumously 

receive the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service 

Medals. President John F. Kennedy, a man who had 

seen combat personally, once noted that, “A Nation 

reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also 

by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” With this 

in mind, it is fitting and proper to honor and remember 

the service and sacrifice of SGT Andrew J. Creighton, 

Soldier, son, friend, and patriot.

SGT Andrew “A.J.” J. Creighton

United States Army

July 24, 1986 – July 1, 2010

Photos courtesy of the Creighton family • Narrative - Patrick Weadon, Curator, National Cryptologic Museum • Graphics/Layout - NSA Creative Imaging-55742