President Joe Biden is awarding the Medal of Honor to Capt. Larry Taylor, a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War.
His awarding of the military’s highest honor stems from a combat mission on June 18, 1968, when Taylor displayed “conspicuous gallantry” during a mission around the hamlet of Ap Go Cong, Vietnam. After providing life-saving air support with his AH-1 Cobra gunship to a four-man reconnaissance team, surrounded by enemy fighters, the then-first lieutenant learned that the plan to evacuate the team with a Huey helicopter had been discarded due to its low chance of success, effectively dooming the group.
HALEY USES RAMASWAMY AS 2024 FOIL IN FOREIGN POLICY FEUD
Braving enemy fire, Taylor performed an unprecedented feat, using his Cobra gunship to evacuate the recon team. As the Cobra wasn’t designed for transport, the four men grabbed on to the helicopter’s rocket pods and skids. Taylor safely lifted the group out of the combat zone and dropped them at a safe location.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“Taylor’s conspicuous gallantry, his profound concern for his fellow Soldiers, and his intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army,” the White House said.