Private First Class Walter Joseph Taylor Jr. entered the U.S. Army from Moss Point, MS. He served as a Flight Qualified Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice with Company A, 158th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 101st Aviation Group, 101st Airborne Division. On 06 December 1970, a UH-1M Iroquois “Huey” helicopter, call sign "Lancer 45") with a crew consisting of Aircraft Commander CW2 McAttee, Pilot WO1 Neal, Crew Chief SP4 Evanoff and Door Gunner PFC Taylor, were part of a four aircraft formation that took off from DaNang for a classified mission in Quang Tri. After picking up some equipment, the formation departed from XXIV Corps HQ at approximately 0945 and proceeded to the north across DaNang Bay with Lancer 45 flying in the number 3 position. The Aircraft Commander noticed a destroyer, the USS Lynne McCormick (DDG, and veered to the right of the flight path, descending to an altitude just feet above the water. Upon reaching the stern of the ship, the Huey’s altitude increased to approximately 200’, airspeed decreased to roughly 40 knots, and a sharp left turn was executed. Upon completion of the turn, CW2 McAtee began a power dive parallel with the starboard side of the destroyer. While descending the airspeed increased to approximately 100 knots and McAtee was unable to recover the Huey, impacting with the water, resulting in a fire and low order explosion. At the time of impact, the Huey’s skies were level indicating that recovery from the dive was attempted. Both McAtee and Neal were successful in exiting the helo as it sank however Evanoff and Taylor were not seen again. During the week following the incident, US Navy Divers successfully recovered portions of the wreckage but efforts to recover the remains of the crew chief and door gunner were unsuccessful. On 10 December 70, the body SP4 Evanoff was recovered from the shoreline where it had been carried by the current. To date PFC Taylor remains missing and unaccounted for.

Based on all information available, DPAA has assessed this case to be in the analytical category of Active Pursuit.

Private First Class Walter Joseph Taylor’s name can be found on Panel 6W Line 111. Say their names. Tell their stories. Never forget their sacrifices. Until they all come home Private First Class Walter Joseph Taylor’s name can be found on Panel 6W Line 111. Say their names. Tell their stories. Never forget their sacrifices. Until they all come home

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