Claude Bryon Culvahouse was the son of Dallas Franklin Culvahouse and Aurena M. Collins. Siblings: Grauer Culvahouse, Arch Culvahouse, Blanche Culvahouse, Irma Culvahouse, Charles Culvahouse, Dallas Culvahouse Jr., and Virginia Culvahouse.
Served on the USS Ticonderoga (CV-14). His casualty resulted from the explosions and fires caused by the two Kamikaze planes that hit the Ticonderoga. He was killed in action and buried at sea.
Participated in the Philippine Campaign and in South China Sea combat
Memorialized at Manila American Cemetery in Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines
The Knoxville News-Sentinel, 21 July 1945
Claude Culvahouse, seaman second class, is a Knoxville boy who gave his life on the USS Ticonderoga when the ship was severly damaged off Formosa on Jan. 21 following direct hits by two Japanese Kamikaze or suicide planes. Seaman Culvahouse, the 18-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. D.F. Culvahouse, 2003 Laurel Avenue, was killed at his gun position on the Ticonderoga, according to word from the Navy Department just released by the family following the dramatic story of the return to action of the famous Essex-type carrier. The Navy dispatch referred to the heroism of Seaman Culvahouse and said that he “stayed to the end and died gallantly.” He was one of 144 American seaman listed as dead or missing. A total of 337 American fighting men were killed or wounded in the encounter.
The first of the Jap suicide planes crashed between decks and tore a hole in the flight deck, setting raging fires. The second suicide bomber hit the ship superstructure. The ship, unbelievably, has been repaired and is back on duty in the Pacific. Seaman Culvahouse was on the Ticonderoga when it joined a fast carrier force last November. It was his first overseas assignment. He entered the service in May, 1944, went overseas in November, and was killed in January. He was a graduate of Stair Technical High School.
“We have been trying to get in touch with some of the men who might have known him, said a sister, Miss Blanche Culvahouse. “So far as we have been able to find out, he was the only Knoxville boy aboard.” WAVE Irma Culvahouse, yeoman second class, another, sister, is in the Navy Department, Washington. A brother, Sgt. Archie Culvahouse, Millertown Pike, was recently discharged from the Army after three years’ service.
- Rank: Seaman Second Class
- Date of birth: 20 November 1927
- Date of death: 21 January 1945
- County: Knox
- Hometown: Knoxville
- Service Branch: Navy
- Division/Assignment: USS Ticonderoga (CV-14)
- Theater: Pacific
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XIV, Top Panel
- Contact us to sponsor Claude B. Culvahouse
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