– Larry Taylor Vietnam gunship pilot
– Larry Taylor daring rescue Vietnam.
Larry Lowe Taylor, Vietnam War Hero and Medal of Honor Recipient, Passes Away at 81
Larry Lowe Taylor, a former Army aviator and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War, has died at the age of 81. Taylor passed away on January 28, 2023, at his home in Signal Mountain, Tennessee.
A Daring Airborne Rescue
Taylor’s courageous act took place on June 18, 1968, when he embarked on one of the Vietnam War’s most audacious airborne rescues. As a helicopter pilot, Taylor led a mission to rescue a reconnaissance patrol that was under intense rocket and machine gun fire from Viet Cong guerrillas. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Taylor and his team managed to locate the patrol and provide cover fire, allowing the soldiers to escape.
During the rescue, Taylor’s helicopter sustained significant damage, with 16 bullet holes, but miraculously, no one on board was injured. The daring mission earned Taylor the Medal of Honor, which was presented to him by President Biden in a ceremony in September 2022.
A Long Journey to Recognition
It took 31 years for Taylor to be formally recognized for his heroism. Despite receiving the Silver Star and other honors for his more than 2,000 combat missions, Taylor had not been considered for the Medal of Honor. The paperwork for high-level honors was never filed due to the deaths of Taylor’s direct commanders in Vietnam. It was only through the persistent efforts of his fellow soldier, Sergeant David Hill, that Taylor’s bravery was finally acknowledged.
Hill spearheaded multiple campaigns over the years to garner support for Taylor’s Medal of Honor nomination. The third submission in 2021, assisted by retired Army General Burwell B. Bell III, proved successful, leading to Taylor’s well-deserved recognition.
A Life of Service and Accomplishment
Larry Lowe Taylor was born on February 12, 1942, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After graduating from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, he joined the Army and trained as a helicopter pilot. Taylor served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, flying some of the first Cobra attack helicopters in the war.
After his military service, Taylor returned to Chattanooga and took over his family’s roofing and metal company. He was married twice, first to Dolly Caywood and then to Toni Bechtel. Taylor is survived by his wife, two sons from his first marriage, and five grandchildren.
A Legacy of Bravery
Larry Lowe Taylor’s courageous actions during the Vietnam War will forever be remembered. His selfless dedication to his fellow soldiers and unwavering bravery in the face of danger serve as a testament to the resilience and heroism of the American military.
As President Biden said during the Medal of Honor ceremony, “You did something extraordinary.” Taylor’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served their country.
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1. Larry Taylor gunship pilot Vietnam daring rescue
2. Larry Taylor gunship pilot Vietnam dies at 81.
