Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center Celebrates Opening of Captain Larry L. Taylor Exhibit

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center (MOHHC) launched the Captain Larry L. Taylor Exhibit with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The celebration drew hundreds of visitors eager to honor the legacy of the late Captain Taylor, a Chattanooga native and Vietnam War hero who received the Medal of Honor in 2023 for his extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Khe Sanh.

The day began with a special preview for Heritage Center members at 8 a.m., followed by a moving "Bricks of Honor" dedication ceremony in the Aquarium Plaza at 11 a.m. The official unveiling ceremony took place at 1 p.m. inside the Heritage Center, with limited public tickets selling out in advance of the event.

"The turnout and response to the Captain Larry L. Taylor Exhibit has been truly overwhelming," said David Currey, Executive Director of the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. "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."

Designed by Encore Interpretive Design and 1220 Exhibits, the immersive exhibit features historical artifacts including Captain Taylor's uniform, pilot helmet, military flight log, patches and medals, detailed displays chronicling Captain Taylor's life and service, and the centerpiece attraction—a full-sized replica of his AH-1G Cobra helicopter accompanied by life-sized sculptures of the men involved in the Medal of Honor action, created by renowned artist Alex Tisch of Kodiak Studios in Brooklyn, NY.

The exhibit commemorates Captain Taylor's actions on June 18, 1968, when as a First Lieutenant, he executed a daring rescue under heavy enemy fire to save a four-man Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) team. With no evacuation helicopter available, Taylor landed his AH-1G Cobra—an aircraft not designed for passenger transport—allowing the stranded men to cling to the helicopter's skids as he flew them to safety.

Dave Hill, the final surviving member of the LRRP team that Captain Taylor rescued that night, attended the celebration and reflected on the significance of the exhibit. "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."

Toni Taylor, widow of Captain Taylor, expressed her gratitude, 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."

The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center extends its gratitude to all those who made this exhibit possible, including the generous support of 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 to the public during regular Heritage Center hours. For more information, please visit www.mohhc.org or call (423) 877-2525.

About the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center
The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center is situated in the heart of the Birthplace of the Medal of Honor—Chattanooga, Tennessee. The 19,500 square-foot facility is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Medal of Honor and sharing the incredible stories of Medal of Honor recipients through immersive exhibits and educational programming. Through this mission, the Heritage Center strives to educate future generations about the six character traits embodied by the Medal of Honor and its recipients–Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice and Commitment—and inspire the leaders of tomorrow to embody these traits in their daily actions to make a difference in their community and world. Learn more at www.MOHHC.org.

SOURCE Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center