Walter “Uncle Bert” Mintus

Navy Aviation Radioman 3rd Class, Walter "Uncle Bert" Mintus served with the US Navy Torpedo Squadron Fifty One (VT-51) flying in a TBM Avenger 1C Torpedo Bomber.  While on a bombing mission against enemy shipping off the waters of the isand of Palau, his plane crashed into the ocean.  All three  crew members wre declared MIA.  72 years later, PROJECT RECOVER located the Avenger and in June, 2018, Mintus' remains were accounted for, and returned to his family.