Captain Larry L. Taylor Exhibit Unveiled at Coolidge Heritage Center in Chattanooga

Captain Larry L. Taylor Exhibit Unveiled

On March 29, 2025, the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center (MOHHC) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, proudly opened the Captain Larry L. Taylor Exhibit, a tribute to the legacy of a true American hero. The opening ceremony was attended by hundreds who came to honor Captain Taylor, a Chattanooga native and Vietnam War veteran awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary acts of bravery during the Battle of Khe Sanh.

The event began early with a special preview for Heritage Center members at 8 AM, leading up to a heartfelt 'Bricks of Honor' dedication ceremony held at 11 AM in the Aquarium Plaza. The highlight of the day was the official unveiling at 1 PM inside the Heritage Center, where public tickets sold out in advance, demonstrating the community's appreciation for Captain Taylor's incredible story.

David Currey, Executive Director of the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming turnout and the emotional response from visitors. "We witnessed visitors of all ages deeply moved by Captain Taylor's story of courage and sacrifice. This exhibit ensures that future generations will understand and be inspired by his extraordinary heroism," he remarked.

The exhibit, designed by Encore Interpretive Design and 1220 Exhibits, features an array of historical artifacts that belonged to Captain Taylor. Among these are his military uniform, pilot helmet, flight log, and various medals, together with a full-sized replica of his AH-1G Cobra helicopter, which serves as the centerpiece of the display. Life-sized sculptures depicting the men involved in the Medal of Honor action were crafted by renowned artist Alex Tisch from Kodiak Studios in Brooklyn, NY.

Highlighting Taylor's valor, the exhibit details an intense event from June 18, 1968, when he executed a daring rescue operation under heavy enemy fire to save a four-man Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) team. With the unavailability of an evacuation helicopter, Taylor remarkably landed his AH-1G Cobra—an aircraft not designed for passenger transport—and allowed the stranded soldiers to cling to the helicopter's skids as he lifted them to safety.

Dave Hill, the last surviving member of the LRRP team that Captain Taylor saved, shared his poignant reflections during the opening. He stated, "Captain Taylor didn't just save our lives—he changed the course of them. Without his selflessness and bravery, we wouldn't have made it home. This exhibit ensures his legacy will never be forgotten." His testimony added a powerful personal dimension to the exhibit, illustrating the profound impact of Taylor’s actions.

In a touching moment, Toni Taylor, the widow of Captain Taylor, expressed her heartfelt thanks, stating, "Larry would have been humbled by this beautiful tribute. His greatest hope was always that his story would inspire others to act with courage and compassion when faced with difficult circumstances." Her endorsement of the exhibit's message of bravery and heroism encapsulates the spirit of the event.

The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center extends its gratitude to all who contributed to this exhibit's realization, including the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County Government, Captain Larry and Mrs. Toni Taylor, and Marie Chinery. The Captain Larry L. Taylor Exhibit is now open for the public during regular Heritage Center hours.

For more information on visiting the exhibit or the Heritage Center, please visit www.mohhc.org or call (423) 877-2525.

About the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center

Nestled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center stands as a 19,500 square-foot homage to the Medal of Honor's rich history. Through immersive exhibits and educational programs, the Heritage Center aims to preserve the legacy of Medal of Honor recipients, focusing on instilling values of Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice, and Commitment in future generations. By honoring these character traits, the Heritage Center inspires young leaders to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.