Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class

Unit:

Company E, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army (Company E, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army)

Awarded on:

November 2nd, 1943

Citation:
"Received for gallantry in action on 14 July 1943, at ***** Airfield, near Biscari/Province of Ragusa, Sicily. During a strong enemy counter-attacked supported by tanks, machine guns and mortars, a half-track prime mover was hit by an enemy tracer bullet, setting it on fire, causing the crew to abandon it. Private First Class Taylor in a position nearby, on his own initiative went to the vehicle, removed gasoline cans, other inflammable materiel, and extinguished the blaze, all the while under enemy fire, and then manned the .50 caliber machine gun until the crew returned to its vehicle. The courage and unswerving determination displayed by Private First Class Taylor's gallant act are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service."