Team Goodfellow honors WWII hero Published Feb. 28, 2012 By Senior Airman Anne Gathua 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- With the singing of the National Anthem and the posting of the Colors Feb. 24, the 17th Training Wing Base Chapel building dedication ceremony in honor of Chap. (Maj. Gen.) Robert Preston Taylor began. The chaplain's son Robert Taylor, Jr., distinguished guests and service members gathered to witness the unveiling of the monument built in his memory and the official naming of the Taylor Chapel. Taylor, the 3rd U.S. Air Force Chief of Chaplains, became a prisoner of war following the surrender of American forces, which were part of the Bataan Death March. While imprisoned, he provided care and guidance to more than 10,000 patients in the prison camp hospital. Chap. (Lt. Col.) Bruce Glover, 17th Training Wing chaplain, said the dedication was more than just naming the chapel in honor of Taylor. "More significantly, we are intentionally remembering a faithful servant of God who faced adversity, yet did not let adversity overcome or defeat him," said Glover. "We are telling an amazing story that involves a lot of suffering, pain, and struggle for survival." Taylor, along with other prisoners, were able to smuggle much needed medicines into the camp. He suffered many beatings and torture for these attempts to alleviate the suffering of other prisoners of war, including fourteen weeks in solitary confinement. Despite tremendous personal adversity, his courageous actions greatly contributed to reducing the death rate among patients. He survived the horrors of 42 months of Japanese prison camps and was cited for bravery and awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action for his service in the Battle of Bataan. "Even after being a prisoner of war for most of World War II, he did not live in despair or resentment," said Glover. "Instead, he continued for twenty more years as an Air Force chaplain, helping others find hope, peace, and faith in the God who had given him freedom." Chap. (Maj. Gen.) Cecil Richardson, USAF Chief of Chaplains said Taylor saw the light, followed the light and pointed others to the light throughout his life. "He inspired others as a POW and left a legacy," Richardson said. "I hope those who sit in the pews will always remember the memory of a spiritual giant who inspired and encouraged." His son, Taylor Jr. said it was a great honor and privilege to represent his family at the ceremony. "On behalf of my father who would be honored and perhaps humbled by this honor of naming such a beautiful chapel after him, thank you," he said. "My father would say it was never about him but about his service to the troops." His decorations and awards include the Silver Star, Bronze Star and the Presidential Unit Citation with two oak leaf clusters. "Beginning today we will be equipped to tell the story of a selfless and faithful man whose example we can all strive to emulate," said Glover.
