During World War II, the 6th Infantry Division was stationed in Hawaii in July and August of 1943. They moved to New Guinea in January of 1944. They fought the Japanese in New Guinea at Toem-Wakde in June and Maffin Bay in July. They arrived in Luzon on January of 1945, taking part in several battles. They were fighting in Manila in February of 1945. They remained fighting with Philippine forces until the war’s end on August 15, 1945. 

Green County soldier George Culles served with the 20th Infantry Regiment of the 6th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. 

George Franklin Culles was born on August 30, 1918 in Green County, Wisconsin to Paul and Mae (Hooker) Culles.

From the 1920 U.S. Census, the Culles family lived in Jefferson Township in Green County. The household included father Paul, mother May, and children Bessie, Ruth, and George. Father Paul was working as a farmer in general farming.

From the 1930 U.S. Census, the Culles family lived in Spring Valley Township, Rock County, Wisconsin. The household now included son Oliver. 

From the 1940 U.S. Census, the Culles family was in the same house. Daughter Bessie and Ruth were no longer in the household, now including daughter Mary Jane and mother-in-law Mary Jane Hooker. Father Paul was a farmer, and son George (24) was a laborer in a creamery.

On September 21, 1940 George Franklin Culles married Anna Dorrene Jones in Green County. She died on April 17, 1941 after an illness.

On July 7, 1941 George F. Culles enlisted for WWII service in Milwaukee. He had 1 year of high school and was employed in “unskilled occupations in processing of dairy products.”

From the March 27, 1945 Wisconsin State Journal article titled “George Culles Killed in Action,” the article stated “Pfc. Goerge F. Culles, 26, was killed in action on Luzon Feb. 23, the war department has notified his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Culles, Route 1, Brodhead...”

From the July 6, 1948 Janesville Daily Gazette article, “Brodhead War Hero to Be Buried on Friday,” the article stated “The body of Pfc. George Culles, Brodhead’s second World War II casualty in the Pacific theatre, is being returned …for final military rites here…

“Pfc. Culles was inducted into the army on July 7, 1941 at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., and later received training at Camp Walters, Texas; Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and San Luis Obispo, Calif. He was a member of Co. C of the 6th Division.

“After leaving the U.S.A. he was stationed for a time in Hawaii, and saw action in New Guinea before taking part in the invasion of the Philippine Islands where he was killed in action on Luzon, Feb. 23, 1945.

“He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific ribbon with 3 stars, Philippine liberation ribbon, good conduct medal, American defense ribbon. The order of Purple Heart was awarded posthumously.

“Before going into service, he was employed at the Golden creamery and later in the postal department of the Fairbanks, Morse & Co., Beloit.

“Survivors are the parents; three sisters, Mary Jane, at home, Mrs. Melvin Pryce and Mrs. Floyd DeVoe; and a brother, Oliver, all of Brodhead.”

PFC George F. Culles is listed on the WWII Honor Roll for Green County.

PFC Culles was repatriated and re-buried in Hillcrest Cemetery in Albany in 1948.

Thank you, Private First Class George Franklin Culles, for your service to and ultimate sacrifice for this country. We honor you and remember you.