THE WALL OF FACES

Karl Gorman Taylor , Sr.
Date of birth: July 14, 1939
Date of death: December 8, 1968
Burial location: Independence, Pennsylvania
Place of Birth: Maryland, Laurel
Home of record: Baltimore Maryland
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Medal of Honor

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Karl Gorman Taylor, Sr. (MCSN: 1862790), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 8 December 1968, while serving at night as a company gunnery sergeant with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, during Operation MEADE RIVER in the Republic of Vietnam. Informed that the commander of the lead platoon had been mortally wounded when his unit was pinned down by a heavy volume of enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Taylor along with another Marine, crawled forward to the beleaguered unit through a hail of hostile fire, shouted encouragement and instructions to the men, and deployed them to covered positions. With his companion, he then repeatedly maneuvered across an open area to rescue those Marines who were too seriously wounded to move by themselves. Upon learning that there were still other seriously wounded men lying in another open area, in proximity to an enemy machinegun position, Staff Sergeant Taylor, accompanied by four comrades, led his men forward across the fire-swept terrain in an attempt to rescue the Marines. When his group was halted by devastating fire, he directed his companions to return to the company command post; whereupon he took his grenade launcher and in full view of the enemy, charged across the open rice paddy toward the machinegun position, firing his weapon as he ran. Although wounded several times, he succeeded in reaching the machinegun bunker and silencing the fire from that sector, moments before he was mortally wounded. Directly instrumental in saving the lives of several of his fellow Marines, Staff Sergeant Taylor, by his indomitable courage, inspiring leadership, and selfless dedication, upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service.

Action Date: December 8, 1968

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Company: Company I

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 26th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Great example of a Marine Gunny...could laugh and joke with his men and command respect at same time. Proud to have served with him in India Co. 3/26 Marines!

My brother Cal David Ned Moore was killed 8 December 1968 at the batitle of Meade River. His body was one of the Marines Karl Taylor gave his life for so no man was left behind.
My family is forever grateful for his sacrifice.
Semper Fi brother
Love and miss you Sister Sue

My brother Cal David Ned Moore was killed 8 December 1968 at the batitle of Meade River. His body was one of the Marines Karl Taylor gave his life for so no man was left behind.
My family is forever grateful for his sacrifice.
Semper Fi brother
Love and miss you Sister Sue

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Karl.