Larry Taylor

Larry L. Taylor (12 February 1942 – 28 January 2024) was a United States Army officer and helicopter pilot who was awarded the Medal of Honor on 5 September 2023 for his actions on 18 June 1968 during the Vietnam War.

Early life and education Taylor was born on 12 February 1942 and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he served in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

Following his graduation in June 1966, Taylor attended the United States Army Armor School at Fort Knox, then trained on helicopters at Fort Wolters and then Fort Rucker, graduating as an army aviator on 30 June 1967.

Military career Taylor was sent to South Vietnam in August 1967 joining D Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, part of the 1st Infantry Division, at Bien Hoa Air Base.

Taylor flew over 2,000 combat missions during the Vietnam War in the Cobra and the UH-1, was engaged by enemy fire 340 times and was shot down five times.

Following his Vietnam service, he served in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in West Germany. after "a long struggle with cancer".

Honors and awards Taylor's personal decorations include: the Medal of Honor (upgraded in 2023 from a Silver Star awarded 1968

Army Aviator BadgeMedal of Honor (Upgraded from Silver Star)Distinguished Flying Crosswith three bronze oak leaf clustersBronze Star MedalAir Medalwith Award numeral 43Army Commendation Medalwith bronze oak leaf clusterNational Defense Service MedalVietnam Service Medalwith four bronze campaign starsRepublic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosswith two bronze starsVietnam Campaign Medal

Army Presidential Unit Citation Valorous Unit AwardMeritorious Unit CommendationRepublic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit CitationRepublic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation

Medal of Honor citation