Scott’s View: Vietnam Veteran Finally Gets Recognized With Medal of Honor

With less than 70 living Medal of Honor Recipients, news of a new one always brings great interest and pride in our military & veteran community. And to finally recognize Larry Taylor’s heroism from 55 years ago is especially meaningful for Vietnam Veterans like myself.

A former Captain and U.S. Army helicopter pilot, Taylor led an extraordinary rescue mission in 1968 to save a small group of soldiers under heavy fire and trapped by the NVA in a rice field during the Vietnam War. Read the full citation of his heroic act here.

And, ironically, to receive the Medal of Honor the day after Labor Day recognizes Taylor’s definition of work from a military standpoint. “I was doing my job. I knew that if I did not go down and get them, they would not make it,” said Taylor, now 81 and living in Tennessee.

Taylor was awarded 61 combat decorations, including the Silver Star, 43 Air Medals, a Bronze Star, and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He also received the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with the Bronze Star.

While we recognize Taylor for his selfless acts, we also pause to remember the nearly 3,000 people who were taken from us over 20 years ago on September 11. On Monday, September 11, please take a moment of silence for those who lost their lives on the fateful day. Let us also recognize those who continue to show their selflessness with service to our country to ensure 9/11 never happens again.