Paul Edward Culbertson

Rank: Aviation Metalsmith Second Class, United States Navy

Service Number: 02045836

Unit: USS Langley (CVL-27)

Entered service from: Rhode Island

Died: February 19, 1944

Buried at: Missing in Action or Buried at Sea — Tablets of the Missing, Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii

Paul Edward Culbertson was born on September 26, 1920 to Edward L. and Mildred B. Held Culbertson. The family lived at 1012 Stokes Avenue in Collingswood, New Jersey, where he attended Collingswood High School as a member of the class of 1938. His father worked as a photo engraver. Before graduation, the family moved to Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. Paul was a graduate of the Peddie Institute.

Paul Culbertson was living in Rhode Island and attending Brown University when he enlisted in the Navy on June 22, 1942. He underwent basic training at Newport, then was sent to Jacksonville, Florida to train as an aviation metalsmith. In February of 1943 he completed this training, and served for the next four months at Floyd Bennett Airfield in Brooklyn, New York. He then transferred to Quonset Point, Rhode Island to train as an aerial gunner. Upon completing this training, he was assigned to the new aircraft carrier USS Langley (CVL-27) in September of 1943. After a shakedown trip to South America, the Langley set off for the Pacific war zone in December of 1943. In January and February of 1944, the Langley saw combat in and around the Marshall Islands.

Paul Culbertson was serving aboard the Langley, where he had recently qualified to serve as an aerial gunner, when he was killed in an accidental fall on February 19, 1944. He was buried at sea. His family received notification on March 6, 1944. Paul Culbertson was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Culbertson of Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, and an older sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Culbertson Green. His death was reported in the evening edition of the Camden Courier-Post on March 13, 1944.