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Vietnam Veteran to Receive Medal of Honor 55 Years After ‘Bold And Innovative’ Helicopter Rescue
Courtesy of USArmy via Instagram
U.S. Army Capt. Larry Taylor, an attack helicopter pilot in Vietnam, will be awarded the Medal of Honor next week, 55 years after undertaking a “bold and innovative” feat to rescue his fellow soldiers, the White House announced Friday.
On June 18, 1968, then-First Lieutenant Taylor was leading a helicopter light-fire team in support of a reconnaissance patrol that had been surrounded by enemies. Taylor and his wingman, in Cobra gunships, spent 45 minutes attacking the enemy forces, waiting for help from a UH-1 “Huey” helicopter that ultimately would not come.
With ammo and fuel running low, Taylor decided to use his own two-man helicopter to extract the reconnaissance team, “a feat that had never been accomplished or even attempted,” according to the White House.
Taylor and his wingman fired their remaining mini-gun rounds at the enemy’s eastern and western flanks, distracting them with lights while the patrol team moved to a nearby extraction point. Once the patrol team arrived, Taylor landed his helicopter “under heavy enemy fire” and they climbed aboard, “grabbing on to rocket-pods and skids.”
Taylor was originally awarded a Silver Star, the third highest decoration for valor in combat. The will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor in a ceremony on Sept. 5.
“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 White House said.
Taylor served in Vietnam from August 1967 to August 1968, and received multiple awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. He was honorably released from active duty in 1970, at the rank of Captain, and was discharged from the Army Reserve in 1973.
TMX contributed to this article.
