– Vietnam War pilot
– Daring rescue.
Larry L. Taylor, Vietnam War Hero and Medal of Honor Recipient, Passes Away at 81
Larry L. Taylor, a courageous helicopter pilot who saved four U.S. Army rangers from enemy fire during the Vietnam War, has tragically passed away at the age of 81. He died on January 28 at his home in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. Mr. Taylor’s remarkable heroics were recognized five months prior to his death when he was awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor. His death was confirmed by the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga.
Born and raised in Signal Mountain, Larry Taylor served as a first lieutenant during his one-year deployment in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He flew over 2,000 combat missions in Cobra and UH-1 “Huey” helicopters, earning more than 50 decorations for his bravery. Throughout his service, he faced enemy fire on 340 occasions and was forced to make emergency landings five times.
A Daring Rescue Under Enemy Fire
One of Larry Taylor’s most remarkable acts of heroism took place on June 18, 1968, in Binh Duong Province. He was piloting a helicopter gunship supporting a four-man long-range reconnaissance patrol when the group found themselves surrounded by approximately 100 Vietcong guerrillas. Two other helicopters had initially planned a rescue mission but were forced to cancel due to the seemingly hopeless situation.
However, driven by determination and bravery, Lieutenant Taylor, along with his co-pilot, Chief Warrant Officer James Ratliff, decided to attempt the rescue themselves. Despite enemy gunfire, low ammunition, and fuel, they diverted the Vietcong with their craft’s landing lights and made a daring maneuver that had never been attempted before with a two-person Cobra helicopter. They safely landed 100 yards away from the firefight, allowing the Rangers to quickly board the craft’s skids and rocket pods. Lieutenant Taylor then flew them to a secure landing area, from where the Rangers made their way back to their base.
For his gallantry, Larry Taylor was initially awarded the Silver Star. However, one of the rescued Rangers, Sgt. David Hill, tirelessly lobbied for two decades to have the award upgraded to the Medal of Honor. His efforts finally paid off, and on September 5, 2023, President Biden presented Mr. Taylor with the highest military honor in a White House ceremony.
A Life of Service and Dedication
Larry Lowe Taylor was born on February 12, 1942, into a family with a strong military background. His ancestors had served in the Union Army during the Civil War and World War I, while his father and uncles fought in World War II. After joining the Army’s Reserve Officer Training Program at the University of Tennessee, Larry Taylor was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve in June 1966. He later joined the regular Army and became a certified pilot.
Following his service in Vietnam, Mr. Taylor served with the Second Cavalry Regiment in West Germany before leaving active duty in 1971. He then took over his family’s roofing and metal company. Larry Taylor is survived by his wife, Tony, two sons, Larry and Grady, and his sister, Barbara T. Lemley. He also leaves behind five grandchildren.
A Lasting Legacy
During the White House ceremony, Larry Taylor humbly stated that he was just doing his job and that he couldn’t have left those soldiers behind. His heroic act and selflessness will forever be remembered, and his legacy as a Vietnam War hero and Medal of Honor recipient will inspire generations to come.
Rest in peace, Larry L. Taylor, a true American hero.
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– Larry Taylor Vietnam War Pilot
– Vietnam War Pilot Larry Taylor Daring Rescue.
