George Albert Corbitt was born on September 19, 1919, Albert G. and Bessie Burch Corbitt in Wirt County, West Virginia. He was the eighth of eleven children.
He left school to join the Navy in July of 1938. He was sent to the Asiatic Fleet to serve aboard the USS Marblehead. He was wounded during the attack by Japanese aircraft on February 4, 1942, suffering severe burns. He was transferred from the Marblehead to the care of Dr. Wassell on February 6, 1942. Seaman Corbitt was unable to recover from his injuries and died on February 10, 1942. One of the other wounded men was told that Seaman Corbitt's last words were, "I've had it tough before, having it tough now, and I will have it tough later." He was buried on Java in a Dutch cemetery. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Victory medals as well as a decoration for the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
Five of Seaman Corbitt's brothers served in the military during the war. They were: Harold M. Corbitt (Marine Corps), Homer Corbitt (Army), Herman C. Corbitt (Army), Argil A. Corbitt (Navy), and Bill Corbitt (Navy).
In 1951 the remains of Seaman Corbitt were moved to Arlington National Cemetery where he was interred. His brothers Bill, Harold, Homer, Harry, Argil, Charlie and sister Virginia were in attendance.
In the movie The Story of Dr. Wassell there is a scene where a wounded sailor is calling for his mother. The Corbitt family was told that this depicted Seaman Corbitt.
Mr. Corbitt was not married. However many of the descendants of his siblings have served in the U.S. military.
You may view and sign Mr. Corbitt's memorial page on Find A Grave by clicking here.
NOTE: Thank you to Bill Corbitt and Jeanie Corbitt Hutton for contributing the information for this Web page as a tribute to George Albert Corbitt and his sacrifice for his country during World War II.
A capture of Mr. Corbitts' memorial page is here.
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