Arvel Lee Combs

Wreath presented in honor of the Cassin Young sailors killed in action.

NPS Photo/Boyce

Quick Facts

Significance:

U.S. Navy Sailor, World War II, KIA

Place of Birth:

Vest, Kentucky

Date of Birth:

October 16, 1924

Place of Death:

Near Okinawa

Date of Death:

July 30, 1945

Place of Burial:

Vest, Kentucky

Cemetery Name:

John S Combs Cemetery

The profile of Arvel Lee Combs is probably duplicated in the thousands by young men in the U.S. at this time. He came from a rural area, attended some high school, performed in a trade (in Arvel’s case, welding) and enlisted at a young age (18 years old) in the US Navy.¹

He made regular advancements as a fireman in the US Navy and performed his job well. Firemen were responsible for keeping the fires that stoked the ship’s boilers and created the steam to turn turbines and propellers going.²

Like other young sailors, Arvel Combs left few personal effects, about 35 items.

Arvel was survived by his father and five siblings.

Arvel Lee Combs signature on Registration (National Archives Personnel File)

---

Footnotes:

1. Official Military File of Arvel Lee Combs, National Personnel Records Center, National Archives and Records Administration, St Louis, MO.
2. Official Military File of Arvel Lee Combs, National Personnel Records Center, National Archives and Records Administration, St Louis, MO.