Earl T. Taylor (1921-2001) was a United States Air Force officer widely recognized as the father of modern Combat Control Teams (CCT). His career began during World War II as a Pathfinder paratrooper in the Army. After the war, he identified the crucial need for small, specialized units capable of providing air traffic control in hostile or austere environments. In 1953, he led the formation and training of the first Combat Control team, establishing the operating procedures and capabilities that still define the specialty. His contribution was instrumental to air operations during the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. For his service, Taylor was highly decorated and was the first Combat Controller to receive the Master Parachutist Badge with a star for a combat jump. He was inducted into the Air Commando Hall of Fame, and the annual award for the Combat Controller of the Year is named after him, a testament to his lasting legacy in special operations.