Lieutenant Junior Grade Gerald Lynn Carter, who joined the U.S. Navy from Oregon, was a member of Attack Squadron 164, embarked aboard the USS Hancock (CVA-19). On January 26,1971, he was the pilot of a single-seat A-4E Skyhawk (bureau number 154980) performing a catapult launch from the deck of the Hancock. A malfunction during the launch prevented the aircraft from gaining enough speed, and it crashed into the water approximately 200 feet forward of the ship. Lieutenant Junior Grade Carter was unable to bail out of the Skyhawk before it hit the water, and search attempts for him were unsuccessful. His remains have not been recovered. After the incident, the Navy promoted LTJG Carter to the rank of Lieutenant (LT). Today, Lieutenant Carter is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Based on all information available, DPAA assessed the individual's case to be in the analytical category of Non-recoverable.

If you are a family member of this serviceman, DPAA can provide you with additional information and analysis of your case. Please contact your casualty office representative.