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Thomas J. Cullison graduated from South Hills High School in 1936 and attended Fork Union Military Academy and Bethany College.

He enlisted on 1 May 1943.

1st Lt Cullison, although wounded, was one of the only officers still in a condition to command. He helped direct the evacuation of the bridgehead on the east bank of the Moselle River. When his opportunity came to board one of the boats, he offered his seat to one of the wounded men. He then tried to swim the one hundred yards to the west bank of the river. The current was swift and the Germans were raking the crossing area with machine gun and mortar fire. After entering the water, 1st Lt Thomas J. Cullison was never seen again.”

T/Sgt R. L. Marnell stated during an investigation he was swimming slightly in front of Lt Cullison. He called back to see if he was doing alright several times and always received an affirmative answer. When Sgt Marnell reached the halfway mark across the river he called again and thought he heard Lt Cullison say "I can't make it, so long fellows". due to the darkness it wasn't clear that Lt Cullison was the man that said this. No search was made. Since nothing was heard or seen of Lt Cullison since, it is reasonable te believe that he drowned.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action from 8 to 10 September 1944 near Dornot, France. Lt Cullison was a platoon leader with a forward element of our bridgehead forces that successfully repulsed numerous counterattacks upon their position. When it became vitally necessary for Lt Cullison to withdraw his platoon across the Moselle River for the purpose of reorganization due to numerical superiority of the enemy forces he labored unceasingly with untiring energy to effectuate and organize an orderly evacuation of his forces. Lt Cullison then directed the evacuation of our personnel to the west bank of the Moselle River with the use of assault boats. Lt Cullison himself completely fatigued by his efforts and the strenuous ordeal elected to swim across the river in order that more enlisted men could make use of the available assault boats and thereby enable them to cross to the friendly banks of the Moselle River. Lt Cullison by his courageous act and every thought and deep concern for his men failed to negotiate the opposite bank of the river. Lt Cullison's intrepid leadership, his bravery and deep devotion to duty, his gallant conduct reflect the greatest of credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

On 10 July 1946, his fiancée, Ms. Ruth Moreland, wrote a the following letter to General Dwight D. Eisenhower: "I am writing this to you because every other source has been exhausted. No doubt you will never read it.
It has been 1 year and 10 months today since my boyfriend Tommy was killed at Metz. At least he is assumed dead since his body was never recovered from the Moselle River.
I hope that you will read this as a father and not as a hard boiled Army man, as the rest of the War Department seems to be.
I would truly like to write to someone in Tommy's outfit who returned from that battle on Sept. 10th. Someone who knew Tommy personally and knew how he died. Someone who was associated with him during those last two months of his life.
Tommy's death has broken up his family. His father became an invalid and he is in a hospital in Pittsburgh. It will soon be two years that he has been shut in. The home has had to be sold. All of this has happened because Tommy wasn't coming home again. His parents have never felt that anything was really done to locate him. We never talk about him to each other without crying and I feel that we could have talked about him if only someone would tell us what happened. How he died an under what circumstances. Other than just saying there was a battle and they don't know what happened to Tommy. Was he brave and a credit to his outfit? I know he was, but it would mean a lot to have someone tell you that.
My brothers outfit were on the other side of the river and helped evacuate the 11th that night. Thanks to the secrecy of the War Department they didn't know Tommy was even there until I wrote where he was reported missing. He apparently tried to swim and no doubt was killed while swimming and drowned. Someone must have seen him. I want to know what happened and whether he was killed instantly or if he tried to keep going. I can take any kind of facts better than not knowing anything.
I know at the time it was impossible to search for bodies. But was the river ever dragged? I just read tonight of a boy washing up in Penna after 8 months. His grandfather had watched for it all this time. There wasn't much left, but anything would be better than not even having a grave or any kind of memorial for Tommy.
You would have loved him. He was no ordinary boy. He was always a leader and full of fun. Loved golf and football, etc. Just a real American boy. But on top of all that was his kindness. Tommy never said anything mean about anyone of became angry. He didn't want to fight, but he knew he had too, and just because he wore glasses you stuck him in the God-damn infantry (to use his expression). He wanted the Air Corps and knew how to fly. Only his eyes kept him out. He always said he wasn't afraid of fighting and dying, but he sure would rather of sat down to do it. Lazy like all you man. But he made a good soldier and did his job well.
Knowing what kind of a boy Tommy was, is why I'd like to hear from someone, or write to someone that knew him those last two months. I know you have records of the men and their service and where they live. Can't you please do that for me?
I know it would make Tommy's mother feel better too and all the family. They all just worshiped him.
So for one who gave all he could give won't you let us find out everything about him and his Army life. I don't mean to bother your really.
Tommy, I believe was awarded the Bronze Star for something in August. I believe his parents were notified eventually but they don't know what for. I also believe he received the Silver Star for this last battle. But again they only were notified by a Form Letter. Couldn't you explain more about why he received these decorations. You know Tommy can never tell us of any of his experiences himself now.
I hope that I haven't bothered you too much for I know how busy you are.
P.S. I would spend every cent I ever earn to bring Tommy's body home if only it could be found."

On 30 July 1945, the Office of the Quartermaster General, provided an answer to this letter: "Dear Miss Moreland,
I have been requested to make further reply to your communication of 10 July 1946, addressed to General Eisenhower, concerning your fiance, the late 1st Lt Thomas J. Cullison.
The feelings which prompted your communication are most understandable and I realize how much it would mean to you and to Lt Cullison's parents to receive full details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. Information available in this office discloses that Lt Cullison participated in an attempt to establish a bridgehead across the Moselle River in the vicinity of Dornot, France. The bridgehead became untenable and the men were ordered to withdraw. Your fiancée was last seen swimming from the east bank of the river toward the opposite side and it is believed that he failed in trying to reach it. Due to the tactical situation and darkness which prevailed no search was possible.
Upon the expiration of twelve months absence, all available reports and records relative to the circumstances surrounding Lt Cullison's disappearance were reviewed under the provisions of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as amended. In view of the fact that twelve months had expired without the receipt of evidence to support a continued presumption of survival, the War Department terminated Lt Cullison's absence by a presumptive finding of death as of 11 September 1945. His mother was advised of this finding in a letter of 11 September 1945, from this office.
The records show that former T/Sgt Richard L. Marnell was swimming with and slightly in front of Lt Cullison and it you so desire you may communicate with Mr. Marcell at his home address, which is 263 Cleveland Avenue, Amsterdam, New York. I am also listing the names and present addresses of the officers who were members of Lt Cullison's organization at the time of his death."

On 6 September 1946, a second letter by the Office of the Quartermaster General was sent to Miss Moreland: "This office has been requested to furnish you information concerning your finance, the late Lt Thomas J. Cullison.
Units of the American Graves Registration Service are now engaged in searching operations in an endeavor to locate the remains of deceased Americans. As yet, however, no report has been received that your fiance's remains have been discovered.
Information being utilized by these searching units includes data gathered from captured enemy records, from reports submitted by various commanders as well as fellow soldiers, and from reports rendered after the interrogation of returned prisoners of war.
I sincerely hope that this intensive search will result in the discovery and identification of your fiance's remains. Please be assured that when further information is received, you will be informed with a minimum of delay.
Please accept my sincere sympathy in your loss."