Fighter Pilot Who Served in Vietnam Honored at Memorial Day Ceremony

The Choo Choo Chorus singing the National Anthem at Monday’s Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  Hundreds came out this morning at the Chattanooga National Cemetery to pay their respects on this Memorial Day.

Organizations from all over the Tennessee Valley came together for the annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony.

It was hosted by the Chattanooga Area Veteran’s Council.

Several officials were on hand to give brief remarks.

The Choo Choo Chorus honored each military branch with their own harmony.

The director of the chorus, Jimmy Tompkins, said, “We enjoy doing this, we prepare for this all year long, we keep fresh on these songs.”

The focal point of the pageantry was on veterans like Jack Taylor.

Taylor served as a cobra fighter pilot for the U-S Army during the Vietnam War.

He is credited with saving many of his fellow soldier’s lives during the war, including that of fellow veteran Mike Holden.

Holden said, “He was Mustang Six and I was November Five. I did not know him, who flew missions to support my guys, so we’re here in Chattanooga fifty years later and we meet.”

One particular exchange at a meeting with a fellow veteran’s family sticks with Holden about Taylor’s impact.

Holden said, “The young man’s grandmother at the meeting said if it hadn’t been for this man, half of you would not be here. So he saved a life of a guy that came home and had children, grandchildren, etcetera. So how one guy, there’s a family.”

Taylor was a guest of honor at today’s ceremony.

He is currently awaiting a decision by President Joe Biden to be awarded a Medal of Honor.

In the meantime, he says he is honored to recognized here in Chattanooga.

Taylor said, “They’ve been saying, “Yes, it’s been laying on a desk for the last two years, so I’ve been waiting. It’ll happen maybe, but I don’t know.””