HENDERSON, Ky. (3/7/13) – The Kentucky State Senate recognized the ultimate sacrifice of Specialist David W. Taylor of Dixon Tuesday on the floor of the Kentucky State Senate.

The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 115, sponsored by Senator Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson, and recognized special guests to the chamber, Specialist Taylor’s mother, Sarah Whitledge Taylor, and her fiancé, Mark Hall, and Specialist Taylor’s childhood friend, Trevan Butler.

Specialist Taylor, who was killed March 29, 2012, died from injuries sustained in an accident at an ammunition supply point in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.

“This young man made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and we owe him a debt that can never be repaid,” said Senator Ridley. “He is missed by his country, his state, his community, his family and friends, and, most profoundly by his mother.”

Specialist Taylor joined the Army in March 2010 as an infantryman and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

“Specialist David W. Taylor gallantly served his country with honor and distinction. He is remembered as having all the ‘qualities desirable in a paratrooper: smart, aggressive, committed, and reliable’ by his commander, Captain Brian W. Bifulco,” according to Resolution 115. “His former platoon leader, Lieutenant Eric Fitzgerald, remembers Specialist David W. Taylor as ‘one of the most outstanding paratroopers in the whole platoon.’”

His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge Basic, Expert Marksmanship Badge (rifle), Overseas Service Bar, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and NATO Medal.

Born Dec. 22, 1991, Specialist Taylor was the son of Sarah Whitledge Taylor; brother of Tamara Taylor and Christina Abell; grandson of Laura Snyder Klutey and Daniel L. Whitledge, and step grandson of Terry Bumpus.

On Tuesday, the Senate adjourned in honor of Specialist Taylor.

“The Commonwealth of Kentucky has the highest respect for Specialist David W. Taylor and is deeply grateful for the ultimate sacrifice he made for the freedom of all Americans,” said Senator Ridley.

SurfKY News
Information and photo provided by Rosalind Turner

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