Larry Taylor, an Army first lieutenant and Cobra helicopter pilot, displayed incredible bravery and ingenuity during the Vietnam War. He flew numerous missions and saved countless lives, but one particular rescue mission stands out. Taylor will be honored with the Medal of Honor by President Biden for his daring act.
On the night of June 18, 1968, Taylor embarked on a mission to rescue four men from a long-range reconnaissance team that was surrounded by enemy troops. Taylor knew that if he didn’t find a way to get them out, they would not survive. This mission required Taylor to think outside the box.
David Hill, one of the men Taylor saved, praised his innovative thinking. Hill and his 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.
Responding swiftly, Taylor arrived at the scene in his attack helicopter. He instructed the team to send up flares to mark their location in the darkness. Taylor and another pilot engaged the enemy with their helicopters’ firepower, making daring attack runs while enduring intense ground fire for thirty minutes.
With both helicopters running out of ammunition and the enemy forces advancing, Taylor assessed the team’s escape route and realized they would be overwhelmed if they tried to reach it. He had to come up with a new plan.
Running low on fuel and ammunition, Taylor directed his wingman to fire the remaining rounds from his Minigun along the team’s eastern flank before returning to base camp. Meanwhile, Taylor fired his remaining rounds on the western flank. He used the helicopter’s landing lights to distract the enemy and bought the patrol team valuable time to head towards an alternative extraction point he had identified.
Upon their arrival at the extraction point, Taylor landed under heavy enemy fire and at great personal risk. The four team members rushed towards the helicopter and clung to its exterior as there were only two seats inside. Taylor swiftly flew them to safety, staying on the ground for a mere ten seconds.
The Army acknowledged that what Taylor accomplished that night had never been attempted before. Hill stated that their chances of survival were “absolutely zero” without Taylor’s innovative thinking. Taylor improvised the plan as he flew, highlighting the inherent challenges and uncertainties of helicopter operations in Vietnam.
Throughout his deployment in Vietnam, Taylor flew hundreds of combat missions and always prioritized the safety of those he was tasked to rescue. He received numerous honors for his bravery, including the Silver Star, a Bronze Star, and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. Notably, Taylor never lost a man under his command.
After leaving the military, Taylor pursued a successful career running a roofing and sheet metal company. Decades later, it was discovered that Taylor had not received the Medal of Honor for his actions that night. Determined to correct this oversight, Hill and Taylor’s supporters worked tirelessly to gather the necessary documentation and statements to rectify the situation. After more than six years of effort, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved Taylor’s recommendation, which was then forwarded to President Biden.
In July, President Biden personally called Taylor to inform him of the decision to award him the Medal of Honor. This highest honor recognizes individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty, risking their lives for others. Larry Taylor exemplifies these qualities, and his remarkable story serves as a testament to the courage and dedication of our servicemen and women.
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