SAR presents Good Citizenship Medal to Korean War veteran

On February 5, 2023, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution conducted a ceremony to present a Bronze Good Citizenship Medal to Herb Taylor. The event was held at the White Hall United Methodist Church with members of the SAR and Korean War Veterans present to honor Taylor. He was presented the medal for his lifelong endeavors and was respected by all he met.

The medal presentation, from left to right: Richard Tyler, Herb Taylor and Chip Daniel. (Photos courtesy of Chip Daniel)

Taylor grew up on a farm in Frederick County until he joined the U.S. Army. He served in the Military Police in Korea from 1955-1956, after which he returned to his home and learned furniture and cabinet building. He then went into carpentry and eventually attended Virginia Tech to earn a teaching degree. He spent 24 years as a teacher, earning great respect from students and parents. He was responsible for turning many troublesome youths into outstanding, successful adults. He attended church on a regular basis and was instrumental in orchestrating and building additions to the church building.

After retiring, Taylor was a volunteer in the community, working at the Congregational Community Action Program in Winchester to assist in distributing food and needed supplies to the homeless. He further supported Religion On Wheels for Weekday Education to students off campus. As veteran of service in Korea, he donated his Army boots to be used as a mold to produce five pairs of boots representing each branch of service that can be viewed at the Korean War Memorial at Jim Barnett Park in Winchester.

Herb Taylor has spent a lifetime of inspiring those he came in contact with, earning respect and admiration from all. A patriotic American and outstanding member of the community.

Chip Daniel providing a presentation on the SAR.

Presenting the medal was chapter President Chip Daniel with assistance from Richard Tyler. Other SAR members present in colonial attire included Dale Corey and Kelly Ford. SAR compatriots who are members of the Korean War Veterans were Marshall DeHaven, Lew Ewing, Doug Hall and Raleigh Watson. Additional members of the Korean War Veterans Association present to honor their fellow veteran were Paul Bombardier, Steve Culbert and Robert Shirley.