1 September (UPI) Army Capt. Larry L. Taylor will receive the Medal of Honor, the White House announced on Friday, for his “conspicuous gallantry” in defending American soldiers in Vietnam more than 50 years ago.
The Medal of Honor is given to U.S. military personnel who go above and beyond the requirements of their jobs to distinguish themselves in battle.
For his actions as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, Taylor had previously received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.
After reaching the rank of captain, Taylor was honorably discharged from active duty in 1970 and from the U.S. Army Reserve in 1973.
In June 1968, while serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and a helicopter pilot, Taylor distinguished himself, according to a statement issued by the White House on Friday.
In the Republic of Vietnam that year, Taylor and his wingman helped a long-range reconnaissance patrol of four American soldiers who were being besieged by hostile forces. They were on a mission close to Ap Go Cong. Taylor and his wingman engaged the enemy from the Cobra helicopters for more than 45 minutes despite running out of ammo and enduring ground fire.
When it became clear that a rescue helicopter would not arrive in time, Taylor and his wingman acted quickly. They opened fire on the enemy while using their small, two-person helicopter to land under fire and pick up the American soldiers. The soldiers boarded the aircraft’s landing skids and held onto its rocket pods as Taylor flew them to safety.
The rescue was an unprecedented effort at the time; it had never even been attempted.
The White House released a statement announcing the award, which Biden will present to Taylor next Tuesday at the White House. “Taylor’s conspicuous gallantry, his profound concern for his fellow soldiers, and his intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army,” the statement read.
Taylor is a University of Tennessee, Knoxville graduate who was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. From August 1967 until August 1968, he was a helicopter pilot serving in Vietnam.
