USS Indianapolis CA-35
Lost At Sea

Name: Ewell EPPERSON
Rank / Rating: S1-Seaman First Class
Service #: 855 47 38
DOB: Mar 12, 1925
From: Olympia, Kentucky
Parents: Harley and Rosa Epperson
Went Aboard: Sep 01, 1943
Age When Ship Went Down: 20 years, 4 months, 18 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Admin
Date Posted: Jul 30, 2025

Seaman First Class Epperson was born March 12, 1925 in Olympia, Kentucky, the son of Harley and Rosa Epperson. He had three brothers and five sisters. He enlisted in the Navy on May 24, 1943 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He received his training at USNTC (United States Naval Training Center), Great Lakes, Illinois and reported to USS Indianapolis on Sept 1, 1943. As a Seaman 2/C, he participated in the bombardment, support, and occupation of Tarawa, Kwajalein and Eniwetok Islands. During 1944 Ewell participated in air strikes on Palau, Yap, and Woleai Island of the Caroline Islands. On June 20, 1944, he passed his night vision test at the Naval Yard, Pearl Harbor, and in June participated in the engagement between the Fifth Fleet and the Japanese Fleet off Saipan, Mariana Island and later the occupation of Palau Island. In 1945, his rate advanced to Seaman 1/c. In February he participated in the air strikes on Tokyo and the assault on Iwo Jima. It is noted in his service record that he “served honorably on USS Indianapolis in the Okinawa Gunto Operation from March 19 - April 7, 1945,” per Capt. Charles B. McVay, III, US Navy. On July 30, 1945, S 1/c Ewell Epperson was declared missing in action, following the sinking of USS Indianapolis while enroute to Leyte. On September 13, 1945, Ewell's status was changed to killed in action. A beautiful cenotaph was placed in the Fairmound Cemetery, West Elkton, Preble Co., OH.