“Heroism Rewarded: President Biden Honors Retired Army Capt. Larry Taylor with Medal of Honor”

President Joe Biden has awarded the Medal of Honor to retired U.S. Army Capt. Larry Taylor for personal actions during the Vietnam War. Taylor served as a platoon leader in Vietnam in January 1967. He was conducting a reconnaissance patrol in thick jungle near Dak To in the Pleiku Province when his unit came under intense enemy fire. Taylor showed no fear. He repeatedly pushed the enemy back, allowing his troops to regroup and evacuate casualties. When his platoon attempted to move back, however, it was again attacked from all sides. Without hesitation, Taylor hurled himself into the fray, drawing the enemy’s fire. He then called in an airstrike to decimate the enemy’s position. Taylor then ordered his platoon to retreat and, despite intense enemy fire, he stayed behind, providing heavy fire as they moved out. His quick actions saved the lives of all twenty of his men. For his bravery under fire, Biden has announced that Taylor will be awarded the Medal of Honor on June 11. It is the highest decoration a member of the U.S. military can receive for an act of heroism in combat. The 80-year-old retired soldier is humbled by the recognition, but appreciative of the recognition of his bravery. “It’s very overwhelming,” Taylor said of the announcement. “I’m just at a loss for words. It’s hard to describe how it feels.” Taylor, a veteran of both the Vietnam and Korean Wars, is proud that his feats in Vietnam were recognized. He believes that he “stood up for what it means to be a soldier” and that this award is proof that it mattered. With this award, Biden is honoring not only a brave soldier, but also a man of integrity and honor who kept his word and refused to leave anyone behind.