Charles Moore Dwyer
First Lieutenant Charles M. Dwyer was a Marine pilot with VMF-212.
He was reported missing in action during a mission to Rabaul, New Britain, 17 January 1944.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number O-21951
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
November 30, 1920
at Moctezuma, Sonora Mexico
Parents
James Hefferman Dwyer
Conchita “Concha” (Moore) Dwyer
Education
John Muir High School (1938)
Pasadena Junior College (1942)
Occupation & Employer
Student
Service Life
Entered Service
April 14, 1943 (officer)
Home Of Record
442 Summit Avenue
Pasadena, CA
Next Of Kin
Parents, James & Concha Dwyer
Military Specialty
Pilot
Primary Unit
VMF-212
Campaigns Served
Northern Solomons
Individual Decorations
Air Medal (2)
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
Dwyer is credited with one aerial victory.
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Took off from Vella Lavella on 17 January 1944 to provide close fighter cover for a force of 48 SBD dive bombers attacking Simpson Harbor, Rabaul. Japanese fighters “initiated a hard-driving attack” as the American force withdrew, and a running battle took place for several miles at an altitude of about 5,000 feet. Lieutenant Dwyer’s Corsair (F4U-1 17841) failed to return from this engagement.
Dwyer was posted missing after the mission, and ultimately declared dead on 17 January 1946.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; remains not recovered.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, James & Concha Dwyer.
Location Of Loss
Lieutenant Dwyer was last seen in combat over St. Georges Channel.
