Benjamen Clayton Graffam
Corporal Benjamen C. Graffam, a Marine aviator, died after an accidental crash off the California coast on 17 October 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 332009
Current Status
Remains not recovered.
CONUS Loss
Because this individual died within the limits of the continental United States, they are not tracked by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
September 13, 1923
at Everett, MA
Parents
Benjamin Franklin Graffam (d. 1934)
Reta T. (Young) Graffam
Education
Everett High School (1941)
Occupation & Employer
Details unknown
Service Life
Entered Service
December 17, 1941
at Boston, MA
Home Of Record
186 Vine Street
Everett, MA
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Reta Graffam
Military Specialty
Aviation radioman/gunner
Primary Unit
MBDAG-41
Campaigns Served
Solomon Islands
Individual Decorations
—
Additional Service Details
Graffam served overseas with VMSB-142.
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
On 17 October 1943, Corporal Graffam boarded Douglas Dauntless SBD-5 #28156 for a routine flight. His pilot, Master Technical Sergeant Rohe Jones, was an experienced combat veteran; both Marines likely expected an easy hop and a quick return to El Toro. Fate intervened, however, and the aircraft was forced down at sea around 1720 hours, approximately 10 miles from San Clemente Island. Both Rohe and Graffam were seen to exit their seats and signal “no injuries” to a chase plane before swimming away from the sinking bomber.
Nearby crash boats and aircraft were quickly assembled and scoured the surrounding area. No sign of Graffam or Jones was found before the search secured for the night. The next morning, Rohe Jones’ lifeless body was recovered from the sea. Searches for Graffam continued for another two days, but nothing was ever found, and he was presumed to have drowned.
Burial Information or Disposition
Lost at sea.
Memorials
No known memorials.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Reta Graffam.
Location Of Loss
The Jones/Graffam Dauntless crashed approximately 10 miles NW of San Clemente Island.
