On Friday, President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to retired Army Capt. Larry Taylor in recognition of his selfless and heroic service during the Vietnam War. Taylor, a native of Chicago, is the first Vietnam veteran to receive the Medal of Honor since the war ended in 1975.
Taylor served as an officer in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from February of 1967 to January of 1969. On May 2, 1968, during the Battle of Soui Tre, Taylor led a daring rescue mission deep into hostile territory to recover a fallen comrade from a North Vietnamese unit. After successfully rescuing his comrade, Taylor and his squad then repelled the enemy forces with superior firepower and courage.
Taylor’s actions saved the lives of several American soldiers and provided inspiration for those around him. For his gallantry in action, Taylor received two awards for valor from the Army. This included the Silver Star, the third-highest award for valor in the Army, and the Distinguished Service Cross.
At the ceremony, President Biden addressed a crowd of family, friends, and VIP guests, expressing his admiration for Taylor’s courage and heroism. Biden praised Taylor’s bravery and selflessness, saying, “At every stage of his life, Larry Taylor has served with the same integrity and commitment that he showed on the battlefield; true acts of heroism”
The Medal of Honor is the highest military award given to service personnel for acts of valor in a battlefield. Thus, in awarding the Medal of Honor to Taylor, Biden further recognized his courage and heroism as a soldier. Taylor expressed his gratitude for the award, saying, “I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the Medal of Honor. It is a privilege to have served in the United States Army and to be recognized for my service to our country”
Taylor’s heroic service and inspiring story exemplifies the courage and strength of the American soldier. President Biden’s awarding of the Medal of Honor to Taylor serves as an inspirational reminder of the greatness of the American spirit.