Edgar Culbertson

U.S. Coast Guard

Edgar A. Culbertson served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1952 to 1956, followed by reserve duty, and returned to active service in 1960. Rising to the rank of Boatswain’s Mate First Class, he was stationed at various posts, including Lifeboat Station Duluth, MN. A veteran of the Korean and Cold Wars, Culbertson displayed extraordinary heroism during the April 30, 1967 storm on Lake Superior, known as “Black Sunday.” Culbertson and two fellow Coast Guardsmen attempted to rescue three teenagers stranded on a pier amid 20-foot waves and gale-force winds. While returning, a large wave swept Culbertson into the freezing waters, and he perished. For his bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal. In 2020, the USCGC Edgar Culbertson was commissioned in his honor. He is remembered for his courage and sacrifice, leaving a legacy of service and dedication to duty.