Today, Army Captain (Ret.) Larry Taylor was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Joseph Biden during a ceremony alongside Army personnel and Bell officials to honor his heroic and life-saving actions while flying a Bell AH-1G during the Vietnam War.
“Taylor’s selfless actions as a Bell AH-1G pilot were performed well-beyond the call of duty,” said Army Major General (Ret.) Jeffrey Schloesser, executive vice president of Strategic Pursuits, Bell. “Bell is elated to honor his profound service and sacrifice.”
The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for valor in the U.S. that is presented by the president in Congress’ name. Approximately 3,517 veterans have been awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions. Taylor is the newest Medal of Honor recipient who now also joins eight of those personnel awarded for their actions while operating Bell aircraft.
“The courage that Taylor illuminated was not only remarkable, but also highlights the significant aerial mobility and reliability of the Bell H-1 line that gets troops to where they need to be during tactical operations,” said Michael Deslatte, senior vice president and program director, Bell H-1 program.
The Bell AH-1G, also commonly known in the Army as the ‘Cobra’ or ‘HueyCobra’, gained popularity for its iconic presence as one of the premier attack helicopters during the Vietnam War.
On June 18, 1968, then-First Lieutenant Taylor, team leader of a helicopter light-fire team, received an urgent radio call from the long-range reconnaissance patrol (LRRP) – “We’re surrounded!”
The LRRPs were being attacked by gunfire and quickly becoming surrounded by the enemy force. Fully aware of the danger, Taylor started up the Bell AH-1G, and flew straight into the battle zone.
Upon arrival, Taylor was faced with intense enemy gunfire. After completing low-attack runs for nearly 45-minutes, the Bell AH-1G was running low on fuel and ammunition. At that moment, Taylor learned that the extract of the four LRRPs was cancelled due to the intensity of enemy gunfire. Taylor refused to accept that fate.
Taylor devised a plan to extract the four LRRPs himself – a mission that has never been attempted while using the two-seater Bell AH-1G.
Using the Bell AH-1G’s landing lights to distract the enemy, the LRRPs quickly ran to the extraction point that Taylor designed. As the LRRPs reached the designed site, Taylor landed the Bell AH-1G where two of the LRRPs quickly grabbed onto the rocket pods while the other two clung to the skids. Taylor then proceeded to successfully fly all four men to a safe location.
Over five decades after his courageous actions, Bell continues to celebrate Taylor’s regard for his fellow soldiers and going above the call of duty as a Bell AH-1 pilot.
Upon joining the Army, Taylor was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, one of the Army’s first Cobra companies in Vietnam. It is estimated that he completed over 2,000 missions as a Bell AH-1G and Bell UH-1 pilot, engaging with enemy fire 340 times.
About Bell
Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.
We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.
Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.
Contact details
-
- Gianna Messina
- Commercial Business, The Americas
- gmessina@bellflight.com
- 682-219-3532
Related news
The Next Chapter for Bell’s H-1 Helicopters Begins
First AH-1Z to receive upgrade arrives at Bell Amarillo Assembly Center
Bell Celebrates Marine Corps Birthday with Company-Wide Commemoration
Join us in saluting Bell’s veterans for the U.S. Marine Corps 248th birthday
Dynamic Duo: The Bell AH-1Z Viper and Bell UH-1Y Venom Provide Air Support During Joint Military Exercise
Through a series of exercises, the Viper and Venom provided long-range assault force escort during night raid exercises, conducted live fire training, and performed deep and close air support.
Celebrating Bell’s Air Force Veterans
Join us in saluting Bell’s veterans for the U.S. Air Forces’ 76th birthday
Bell Celebrates Successful Czech H-1 Program During NATO Days 2023
New Aircraft Provide Principal Assets in the Region