| Biography/History: |
Frank Harrison Taylor arrived in Spokane with his family in his early twenties where he spent the next decade working as a shipping clerk, a farmer, and a soldier. In 1908, Taylor enlisted in the Washington National Guard where he rose to the rank of Battalion Sergeant. He served in the Mexican Border War and was mustered into federal service after the United States entered World War I. Taylor was sent to France for officer training school and received a commission as a 2d. Lieutenant. By the fall of 1918 he found himself in the middle of the Meuse-Argonne offensive, one of the deadliest engagements of the war. On October 11, as he led his platoon into battle an unexpected barrage of machine gun fire rained down on them. Taylor was wounded but continued leading his men as they fought to overcome the German stronghold. When he was wounded a second time, Taylor refused assistance and urged his men on, saying “never mind me, boys, go ahead.” Taylor’s platoon continued on without him, driving the Germans back and successfully capturing a position that was never again retaken. After the battle settled, Lieutenant Taylor was brought to the hospital where he died of his injuries. |