Charles Edward Epp
Second Lieutenant Charles E. Epp was a Marine dive-bomber pilot flying out of El Toro, California.
He was killed in an airplane crash offshore of Dana Point, California, on 30 August 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number O-23884
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 30, 1923
at Kansas City, MO
Parents
George William Epp
Grace Lucille (Calhoun) Epp
Education
Southwest High School (1940)
Rockhurst College (ex-1944)
Occupation & Employer
Ong Aircraft Corporation
Service Life
Entered Service
May 29, 1943 (commission)
at Corpus Christi, TX
Home Of Record
211 East 66 Terrace
Kansas City, MO
Next Of Kin
Father, Mr. George W. Epp
Military Specialty
Pilot
Primary Unit
MBDAG-41
Campaigns Served
None
Individual Decorations
—
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Second Lieutenant Charles Epp was a newly-commissioned Marine dive-bomber pilot stationed at MCAS El Toro, California. He flew with Marine Base Defense Air Group (MBDAG) 41 while awaiting assignment to a combat squadron.
On 30 August 1943, Lieutenant Epp was forced to bail out of his SBD Dauntless for unknown reasons. He successfully deployed his parachute and watched as his aircraft dove into the sea where it immediately burst into flames and sank. Epp hit the water a few minutes later, released his parachute harness, and inflated his life belt. He waved to friendly pilots overhead as they sped off to summon a rescue.
Unfortunately, by the time help arrived, Lieutenant Epp had disappeared. Searches continued through 2 September, but no sign of the pilot was found. While Epp almost certainly drowned, he was ultimately reported dead due to “injuries received in airplane accident.”
Note: While the SBD Dauntless was a two-seater aircraft, it appears that Lieutenant Epp was the only man aboard at the time of the crash.
Burial Information or Disposition
Bailed out at sea; remains not recovered.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of father, Mr. George Epp.
Location Of Loss
Approximate location of the crash, about 8 miles south of Dana Point.
