MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VA -- MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.----- On Sept. 11, people gathered around the world reflected on the tragedy that occurred in 2001. At Quantico National Cemetery a group of came together to honor the legacy of a recently fallen hero, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Bayard Vic Taylor, who died May 26, 2023.
Event speakers included retired U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. William Weise, a former commander of 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment and Navy Cross recipient, Lt. Gen. Gregory Newbold, who served as Director of Operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. John Kelly, the former Secretary of Homeland Security and White House Chief of Staff.
Marines who served with Taylor, many of whom attributed their success and ability to come home during the Vietnam War, were also in attendance, including former Secretary of Defense retired Gen. James Mattis.
“Everything I loved about Marines, I found in Vic Taylor,” Mattis explained. “After I met him, wherever I went, whenever I was put to the test, I think of Vic.”
Taylor received a Silver Star for his actions while serving as a platoon commander with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, in Vietnam and honorably retired in 1985.
Many of Taylor’s friends at the memorial service expressed how he was loved and respected throughout his community. Moreover, how he made an impact on the Marine Corps that continues to this day.
“He inspired so many people and Marines after him, that his legacy will go on long after we and our children’s children are gone,” said U.S. Marine Corps retired Brig. Gen. William Weise. “The effects of Vic Taylor will still be in the Marine Corps.”
The event also celebrated his life, service, and contributions to everyone whose lives had been touched by Taylor, specifically through the infantry officer course, which he founded in 1977.
Newbold said Taylor’s course design enabled graduates to become more capable, knowledgeable, and help surpass the standards of leading Marines to accomplish their assigned mission.
“Every time I come across anybody who knew of him, they were just affected,” said James O’Neal, who was under Taylor’s command in Vietnam. “It was like a beam of light, a godsend. He touched every one of us.”
For anyone who would like to pay their respects to Taylor, a small plaque is located at the Quantico National Cemetery.