Captain Larry L. Taylor was a Chattanooga native and U.S. Army helicopter pilot who received the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for valor in the United States, for his actions during the Vietnam War. On June 18, 1968, while piloting a Cobra gunship, Taylor flew into a heavily defended area under intense enemy fire to rescue a four-man long-range reconnaissance patrol (LRRP) that was surrounded and in danger of being overrun. With no room for the helicopter to land, Taylor hovered close to the ground, allowing the soldiers to cling to the skids and be flown to safety. His daring and selfless actions saved the lives of his comrades and exemplified extraordinary bravery.

You can learn more about Medal of Honor recipient Larry Taylor and view his medal of display in our temporary gallery today.