On this day June 16, 1981, President Ronald Reagan awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to Canadian diplomat Ken Taylor, making him the first foreign citizen in history to receive the prestigious honor.
Ken Taylor served as the Canadian Ambassador to Iran during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. While American diplomats were being held captive, Taylor and his staff secretly sheltered six Americans who had evaded capture. With the help of false Canadian passports and careful planning, Taylor orchestrated their escape in what later became known as the Canadian Caper.
The event was a shining example of international cooperation and courage during one of the most tense diplomatic standoffs of the era. Taylor’s actions earned widespread admiration from both American and Canadian citizens, and his medal recognized his bravery and selflessness.
80s insight: The 1980s were marked by international conflict, but also by extraordinary acts of heroism. Ken Taylor reminded the world what true allies look like.
Ken Taylor served as the Canadian Ambassador to Iran during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. While American diplomats were being held captive, Taylor and his staff secretly sheltered six Americans who had evaded capture. With the help of false Canadian passports and careful planning, Taylor orchestrated their escape in what later became known as the Canadian Caper.
The event was a shining example of international cooperation and courage during one of the most tense diplomatic standoffs of the era. Taylor’s actions earned widespread admiration from both American and Canadian citizens, and his medal recognized his bravery and selflessness.
80s insight: The 1980s were marked by international conflict, but also by extraordinary acts of heroism. Ken Taylor reminded the world what true allies look like.
