Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

douglas9

(4,481 posts)
Fri Sep 1, 2023, 11:41 AM Sep 2023

Daring helicopter rescue earns Vietnam veteran Medal of Honor 55 years later

Army attack helicopter pilot Larry Taylor scrambled to rescue a small patrol of soldiers surrounded by enemies on the ground in Vietnam, according to a dramatic account he and the men he helped save tell about the life-and-death moments more than five decades ago.

Flying them out seemed to be the only option, but there was a problem: his Cobra gunship had no room inside. With bold action and quick thinking, he found a way to get them out of danger.

More than 55 years later, Taylor's heroism will be recognized by President Joe Biden when he is awarded the Medal of Honor on Sept. 5, an upgrade from the Silver Star he originally received, the White House announced Friday.

On the night of June 18, 1968, a four-man long-range reconnaissance team saw through its night-vision scope that it was completely surrounded by hostile forces on a mission northeast of Saigon. It seemed inevitable they would soon be discovered and overrun, David Hill, a member of the team, recalled during a roundtable with reporters Monday.

When Hill's team leader, Bob Elsner, radioed for support, Taylor, his co-pilot, and another Cobra crew were put into action.

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/daring-helicopter-rescue-earns-vietnam-veteran-medal-honor/story?id=102761360

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Daring helicopter rescue earns Vietnam veteran Medal of Honor 55 years later (Original Post) douglas9 Sep 2023 OP
Wow. Just wow. What courage all way around in this harrowing situation. MLAA Sep 2023 #1
Kickin' & Rec'n Faux pas Sep 2023 #2
Stud Duncanpup Sep 2023 #3
Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Veterans»Daring helicopter rescue ...