By Troy Turner
AUBURN — Auburn University welcomed its annual Tiger Giving Day this week, and among the dozens of successful fundraisers was one to create an exhibit to display the donated artifacts of World War II bomber pilot Edward Taylor.
The name of his bomber was “War Eagle.”
“Tiger Giving Day is Auburn’s 24-hour online day of giving. Its purpose is to promote projects that change lives on campus, in our communities, and even across the world. Since 2015, more than 16,000 donors have supported 400-plus life-changing projects on Tiger Giving Day,” according to the university.
Taylor, an alumnus of Auburn’s School of Aviation, served three years during World War II in the Army Air Corps, the predecessor to the Air Force, including in duty in Okinawa and Japan. He was presented the Distinguished Service Medal, Award of Meritorious Service Medal and three battle stars.
Taylor died in 2003 at the age of 81 and is buried in Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery.
“Today, his legacy lives on through a remarkable collection of artifacts, including his leather bomber jacket, crush cap, mission journal and original pilot’s license,” the online donation page said.
“This Tiger Giving Day, your support will help professionally preserve these artifacts and establish a permanent exhibit in the Delta Air Lines Aviation Education Building. The exhibit will honor Auburn’s aviation heritage while inspiring future aviators and learners for years to come.”
The goal for creating the exhibit and the preservation and research involved was set at $12,000, and that was reached by day’s end Wednesday.
“These items are not just memorabilia, they are living history,” the description said. “The jacket carries the wear of countless missions, the journal holds firsthand accounts of courage in the skies, and the pilot’s license marks the beginning of a journey that connected Auburn to the broader history of aviation.
“Together, they represent the spirit of determination, innovation, and sacrifice that continues to inspire today’s Auburn aviators.”
Funds raised in excess of a project’s goal will be used to meet the immediate and emerging needs of said project at the discretion of the sponsoring unit, the page reported.
Troy Turner is the founder, editor and senior consultant for AlaDefense.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. His bio can be found here.
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