Edward Lee Taylor – Flying Cadet, United States Army Air Service

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EDWARD L. TAYLOR, AVIATION EXPERT, 59

ARLINGTON, Virginia – May 29, 1955 – Edward Lee (Swanee) Taylor, one of the most colorful figures in aviation during and after World War I, died of cancer today in Bethesda (Maryland) Naval Hospital.  He was 57 years old.

For the last year and a half, ever since he learned he was suffering from the disease, Mr. Taylor had permitted himself to be used as a “guinea pig” in the cancer research center of the National Institute of Health. While science succeeded in arresting the spread of the cancer, it was unable to save his life.

During World War I, Swanee Taylor and gis brother, the late Sloane Taylor, were baloonists with the Army.  Swanee Taylor served for many years also in the Naval Reserve.

Mr. Taylor was noted for his exploits as a “wing-walker” and pilot with the Gates Flying Circus during the Twenties.  He originated and ran the first “Powder Puff Air Derby” for women pilots.

He devoted much of his life to promoting safe flying.  He produced many scripts for motion pictures and radio programs on that subject and served with the Civil Aviation Administration in the preparation of training films for new fliers. He also directed picture for the Princeton Film Center.

Mr. Taylor was born in Marshall, Texas, and will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.  He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Clara Taylor of Staten Island, New York, and a son, Lee Taylor.

TAYLOR, EDWARD LEE  

  • FLYING CADET 94TH AERIAL SQ AIR SVC USA
  • DATE OF BIRTH: 03/21/1897
  • DATE OF DEATH: 05/29/1955
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 34  SITE 279
  • ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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