Taylor, Ted James, CPT

Capt. Taylor was the aircraft commander of a AH-1G (tail number 67-15679) that was on a combat assault mission out of Quang Tri to Red Devil Road.

While descending, an explosion occurred when it was hit by enemy fire. The crew decided to head for FSB Sheppard. They reported they had overshot Sheppard and were going on to FSB Vandergrift, rather than circle around. The aircraft proceeded down the Da Krong River when engine failed, and successfully autogyrated into the river which was at flood stage.

During the rescue attempt, as Captain Taylor was being pulled off the skid, a strong river undertow sucked him under water.  His pilot, Lt. Becker was also lost in the river.

Crew: Capt. Ted J. Taylor [AC], 1st Lt. Howard J. Becker Jr [CP]

This Soldier has an (IMO) In Memory Of Headstone in: Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery - Lancaster, South Carolina.

see Notes

Note:  Graduated from Flight class: 70-24