MSgt Richard H. Taylor Jr., U.S. Marine Corps

Richard H. Taylor Jr. enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1976 and built a distinguished career defined by technical expertise, innovation, and a lifelong commitment to advancing Marine Corps artillery. After completing the Field Artillery Fire Controlman Course, he served with 2/10 and 3/12 Marines, developing expertise in fire direction, survey, and emerging digital artillery systems. Selected for duty at Marine
Detachment, Fort Sill, he became a leading instructor and helped transform artillery training from manual to digital gunnery. He authored and contributed to critical doctrine and training materials while supporting the fielding of advanced systems including IFSAS, Battlefield Computer Terminal, and AFATDS. Following active duty, he continued supporting national defense as an AFATDS defense contractor, mentoring artillery professionals and advancing joint fires capabilities. In this role, he provided nearly two decades of expertise
to the AFATDS program and the development of fires capabilities. With over more than four decades of service as a Marine artilleryman and defense professional, he became one of the most influential contributors to the development, training, and modernization of Marine Corps fire support systems. MSgt Taylor’s innovation, technical mastery, and dedication have left a mark in Marine Corps artillery.