"Dear Porcher, Belated thanks for sending me a
copy of your autobiography and for the kind inscription. You have lived
a full, successful and inspirational life. I will always remember our
time together... You were an early role model for me. With best wishes
to you, Ann and the family." These words, written by U.S. Secretary
of State Colin Powell, are echoed by many.
In 1971, Colonel (Ret.) Porcher L. Taylor, Jr., Ph.D.
became the first African American promoted to full colonel at Fort Jackson,
South Carolina. This made him the highest-ranking black officer on post.
Today, he is one of the few living Americans who heroically
served the United States in three major wars — World War II, Korean
War and Vietnam War — in both the Navy and Army. He served in the
Navy for three years and the Army for 25 years.
The military was not the only place in which Taylor made his
mark. For 10 years, he served as vice president of Virginia State University.
He also has worked as an assistant professor at the University of Maryland,
one of the first African Americans to teach at the institution.
"Remember to do
something good
for others every day of your life."
Taylor was awarded a bachelor's degree in science
from Tuskegee University. He received a master's degree from Virginia State
University in the early 1960s. He was selected to enter a doctoral program
at the University of South Carolina after the army voiced a need for officers
trained in the field of psychological services in education. In 1972, he became
one of the first two African Americans to earn a Ph.D. from the university.
From the military to the community, Taylor
has been recognized for his many contributions. His military awards include
the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation
Medal. He was also the recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, an
honor shared by former U.S. President Gerald Ford and astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Taylor has been noted for raising money for the hungry and student scholarships.
With the needs of others on his mind, Taylor
encourages today's youth to "remember to do something good for others
every day of your life."
