Hurley Clarence Broaddus was a Naval veteran of both WWI and WWII. He lost his life when the support carrier on which he serving, USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56), was torpedoed by the Japanese during the capture of the Gilbert Islands. The actual battle took place on November 24, 1943. The death date listed on the tombstone is either an error or reflects the date he was officially declared dead by the U.S. Navy.

"Hurley Clarence Broaddus, 51, gunner's mate 1-C, Naval veteran of both WWI and WWII, has been declared officially dead by the Navy Department, according to a letter received today by Mrs. Broaddus from Secretary of the Navy Forrestal.

It is presumed that GM Broaddus lost his life when the carrier, "USS Liscombe Bay" on which he was serving, was sunk by enemy torpedoes while participating in the capture of the Gilbert Islands slightly more than a year ago.

Favorable weather conditions enabled nearby United States vessels to make prompt and complete search for survivors, the letter explained.

In view of the length of time that has elapsed without any indication that her husband has survived, and because of the strong presumption that he lost his life at the time of the explosion or shortly thereafter, the Navy Department is forced to the conclusion that he is deceased, the letter tells.

Mrs. Broaddus, a Red Cross nurse at Camp MacArthur, Texas in WWI, makes her home in Cairo. Their only son is Pfc William Walter Broaddus.

GM Broaddus served aboard the "USS Alabama" during the first world war, enlisting in 1916. He was employed in a war plant in Kansas City when the United States entered this war and resigned his position to re-enlist at the age of 49.

Besides his wife and son, he is survived by his mother, Mrs. M. F. Broaddus and by four brothers and three sisters." Moberly Monitor-Index, December 7, 1944