Sherman Ray Taylor was born on October 9, 1952, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Mr. and Mrs. Herman E. Taylor. In addition to Sherman, the Taylor's had five other sons Elmer, Marvin, Harold, Larry and Rand, along with two daughters, Mary and Ann. At an early age the family moved to Santa Cruz County where Sherman attended local schools. He possibly attended Santa Cruz High School; however, there is no record of his completing secondary education at that school.

In 1969 Taylor enlisted in the US Army and after receiving basic training, he obtained additional individual training to qualify as an electronic maintenance specialist. The army facilities where he served prior to being sent to Southeast Asia are not known. On January 19, 1971, Sherman arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to a unit serving in the Ninh Thuan province.

Military records are incomplete as to the cause of Sherman Taylor's death, which occurred on February, 26, 1971. His body was returned home and following a military funeral, was buried in Watsonville's Pioneer cemetery.

(VVMW; SCSn March 7, 1971 36:4)