Larry Taylor, Pilot Who Rescued Soldiers in Vietnam Firefight, to Receive Medal of Honor from Biden

Army First Lieutenant and Vietnam War veteran Larry Taylor will be awarded the Medal of Honor by President Biden for his heroic actions during the conflict. Taylor flew countless missions and saved numerous lives throughout his service, but one particular rescue flight stood out. On June 18, 1968, Taylor piloted his attack helicopter to rescue a long-range reconnaissance team that was surrounded and in danger of being overrun by enemy troops. The daring mission required Taylor to think outside the box to ensure the team’s survival.

Taylor’s actions that night were described by one of the men he saved, David Hill, as innovative and beyond the call of duty. The reconnaissance team had been tracking enemy troops near the Saigon River when they were discovered and engaged in a fierce firefight. Running low on ammunition, they called for help. Taylor quickly arrived at the scene, using flares to mark their location in the dark. He and another pilot engaged the enemy with Miniguns and aerial rockets, enduring intense ground fire for about half an hour.

As both helicopters were nearly out of ammunition and the enemy continued to advance, Taylor realized that the intended escape route for the team would result in their being overrun. With fuel running low and the team also low on ammunition, Taylor devised a new plan. He directed his wingman to fire the remaining rounds on the team’s eastern flank before heading back to base camp, while Taylor fired his remaining rounds on the western flank. He used the helicopter’s landing lights to distract the enemy, buying the team time to head to a different extraction point identified by Taylor.

Upon their arrival at the extraction point, Taylor landed under heavy enemy fire, risking his own life. The four team members rushed to the helicopter and clung to the exterior as Taylor quickly flew them to safety. Taylor’s actions that night were unprecedented, and Hill believes their chances of survival were “absolutely zero” without Taylor’s innovative thinking.

Throughout his deployment in Vietnam, Taylor flew hundreds of combat missions and never lost a man. He faced enemy fire over 340 times and was forced down five times. Taylor received numerous combat decorations, including the Silver Star, a Bronze Star, and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. After leaving the Army, he ran a roofing and sheet metal company in Tennessee.

It was only years later that Taylor’s supporters discovered he had not been awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam. They tirelessly gathered documentation, witness statements, and support, eventually gaining the attention of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. After more than six years of advocacy, Taylor’s file was forwarded to President Biden, who approved the recommendation. Taylor received the news from the president himself in July.

The Medal of Honor is the highest decoration given to service members who display exceptional valor and selflessness. Taylor’s courage and dedication during the Vietnam War exemplify the qualities honored by the medal. The upcoming ceremony will recognize Taylor’s extraordinary actions and the lives he saved during his service.

Original Story at www.cbsnews.com – 2023-09-01 17:07:00