Claude Edward Mustian

Private USMC Claude Edward Mustain died of illness on May 6, 1919 contracted while on active duty in the Rhineland, Germany during World War I.  He was 23 years old.

Claude Edward Mustian was born on September 14, 1895 in Warren County, North Carolina, the son of Alfred Plummer Mustian and Sallie Virginia Geoghegan Mustian.  Prior to enlistment in the Marine Corps, he was employed as a Fireman for the Pennsylvania Railroad. 

Pvt Mustian enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on May 26, 1917 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and served with the 5th Regiment, Marines 2nd Division. The unit was activated on 8 June 1917, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the 5th Regiment of Marines. They immediately deployed to France, arriving on 26 June, and were assigned to the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army. Later that year, in October, they were reassigned to 4th Brigade of Marines under the 2nd Infantry Division.

In spring 1918, the regiment was involved in the fierce battle of Belleau Wood and was given the nickname Devil Dogs. The Fifth subsequently participated in the offensive campaigns at Aisne, Battle of Saint-Mihiel and in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. They also participated in the defensive campaigns at Toulon-Troyon, Château-Thierry, Marbache and Limey. From 1918 until 1919 the regiment participated in the occupation of the German Rhineland.  Pvt. Mustian contracted an illness and was sent home by ship prior to the regiment’s return from overseas.  He died on May 6, 1919 in the Brooklyn Naval Hospital, Brooklyn, New York.

Private Claude Edward Mustian is buried in the Middleburg Cemetery, Vance County, North Carolina. 

Last edited: 31 May 2026