Van Epps David Arnold

Name:

David Arnold Van Epps

Rank:

Serial Number:

Unit:

Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve

Date of Death:

1975-10-12

State:

Cemetery:

Walworth Cemetery, Walworth, Wisconsin

Plot:

Section 9

Row:

Lot 218

Grave:

5

Decoration:

Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal w/ 2 Oak Leaf Clus

Comments:

David Arnold Van Epps was born on October 20, 1915 in Cook County, Illinois. He joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve and was commissioned on September 2, 1940. He served as a Pilot with the 809 Squadron FAA and was a Commanding Officer in the 894 Squadron FAA in 1942-1943. On September 26, 1943 he joined the 334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, USAF.

In 1944, David piloted a P-51B 43-6941 aircraft on "D" flight. His plane was hit by flak while strafing an airdrome near Osnabruck, Germany. He pulled aircraft up and baled out at 1,000ft and landed successfully but was captured and taken as prisoner.

Post-war, David became a Colonel in the United States Air Force.

David died on October 12, 1975 at the age of 59 in Geneva, Wisconsin and is now buried in the Walworth Cemetery, Walworth County, Wisconsin, USA.

Source of information: https://www.unithistories.com, www.findagrave.com