Terrell Ray Roulston

Terrell Roulston (pronounced Tare-ull, Rawl-stun)

Terrell served as an Electrician's Mate aboard the USS Princeton before enlisting in the Marine Corps where he served on the USS. Boxer. He died as the result of a fire and explosion aboard the ship on 6 August 1952, and posthumously awarded the Navy Marine Corps Medal for heroism.

Corporal Terrell Ray Roulston was born and raised in the Seminole area of Oklahoma. Terrell enlisted in the US Navy in 1947 and was stationed in San Diego. Soon after enlistment, he relocated to Fullerton, CA with his young wife, Onda. Terrell was an electrician’s apprentice and served aboard the carrier vessel, USS Princeton.

He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1950 and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He became an ordnance technician and during the Korean War, was assigned to a Marine Detachment aboard the carrier vessel, USS Boxer.

On August 6, 1952, a torrential fire erupted below the ship’s deck. There were several explosions from aircraft ordinance and fuel. Cpl. Roulston rushed to rescue personnel and fight the fire. He was responsible for rescuing a few fellow Marines before an explosion killed him below deck. Seven Sailors and one other Marine were killed during the event. As a result of his heroism, Cpl. Roulston was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

Cpl. Roulston was survived by his wife and son, Robert, both of whom have since passed.