Class of 1959
Courage, valor, bravery, heroism, dedication, leadership, duty, honor, and country, these terms, and more, are still inadequate in describing Lt. Col. Harry O. “Skip” Taylor, MA, Infantry, Airborne Ranger,officer in the U. S. Army. “Skip” served his country in many ways beginning with Vietnam where, while completing several tours of duty in combat leadership roles, he demonstrated extraordinary gallantry and valor while under intense, combat conditions. As a result of his heroic actions, Col. Taylor was awarded 16 medals, including the Silver Star for gallantry in action, 3 Bronze Stars for heroism in combat, 2 Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat action, the Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, the Gallantry Cross with Gold Star, the Armed Forces Honor Medal First Class, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement Aerial Flight, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit Medal as the Defense Attaché in Belize. Col. Taylor consistently received high praise from his superior officers, including such comments as “combines …extensive professional knowledge with courage to get the very toughest jobs done in a superb manner.” Following his exceptional Army career, he has become a Master Naturalist Instructor focusing on the Biscayne Bay and an Adjunct Professor at NOVA, and he remains a community leader.
