05-03-2025
Chattanooga museum announces opening date for exhibit on East Tennessee Medal of Honor winner
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WATE) — The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center (MOHHC) in Chattanooga is adding an exhibit on Medal of Honor winner Captain Larry L. Taylor.
The grand opening of the exhibit is scheduled for Saturday, March 29. It honors Taylor, a Chattanooga native and University of Tennessee Knoxville graduate who performed a daring helicopter rescue in the Battle of Khe Sanh during the Vietnam War. Taylor was awarded the medal of honor in 2023.
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On June 18, 1968, Taylor landed a helicopter under heavy enemy fire in order to save four men. Since no evacuation helicopter was available, he instead used an AH-1G Cobra which was not designed for extractions. The four men had to cling to the helicopter's skids as Taylor flew them to safety.
'Like other exhibits inside the Heritage Center, we designed the Captain Taylor exhibit to serve as a lasting tribute to his courage and bravery on June 18, 1968—helping to ensure that future generations understand the legacy of our nation's heroes,' said David Currey, Executive Director of the MOHHC.
Taylor was originally awarded the Silver Star which was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Taylor died just a few months later on January 28, 2024, at age 81.
'Chattanooga is the birthplace of the Medal of Honor. The first Medals of Honor were awarded for action in and around Chattanooga nearly 162 years ago, and Captain Larry Taylor is the latest of several American heroes from our area who has received the Medal of Honor,' Currey said.
Several activities are planned for the grand opening on March 29 including a special preview for MOHHC members at 8 a.m. and a 'Bricks of Honor' dedication in the Aquarium Plaza at 11 a.m. The public is invited to the ribbon-cutting for the exhibit at 1 p.m., but guests must buy a ticket.
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'Captain Larry Taylor's extraordinary heroism is a testament to the bravery and selflessness that define Chattanooga's finest,' said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. 'We are honored to play a role in supporting this incredible exhibit that preserves Captain Taylor's legacy and shares his story that will help inspire the leaders of tomorrow for years to come.'
In a press release, MOHHC thanked the city of Chattanooga, the Hamilton County government and Taylor's widow, Toni Taylor for making the exhibit possible.
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