Theodore G. Ellyson

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Theodore G. Ellyson" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (February 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Theodore Gordon Ellyson
Nickname(s)	Spuds
Born	(1885-02-27)February 27, 1885 Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
Died	February 27, 1928(1928-02-27) (aged 43) Chesapeake Bay, U.S.
Place of burial	United States Naval Academy Cemetery
Allegiance	United States
Service / branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1905–1928
Rank	Commander
Battles / wars	World War I
Awards	Navy Cross

Theodore Gordon "Spuds" Ellyson, USN (27 February 1885 – 27 February 1928), was the first United States Navy officer designated as an aviator ("Naval Aviator No. 1"). Ellyson served in the experimental development of aviation in the years before and after World War I. He also spent several years before the war as part of the Navy's new submarine service. A recipient of the Navy Cross for his antisubmarine service in World War I, Ellyson died in 1928 when his aircraft crashed over the Chesapeake Bay.