Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Duncan (DD-485), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

January 21st, 1943

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. DUNCAN (DD-485), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 - 12 October 1942. Although his ship had sustained heavy damage under hostile bombardment, Lieutenant Commander Taylor, by skillful maneuvering, successfully launched torpedoes which contributed to the destruction of a Japanese cruiser. Maintaining the guns of the DUNCAN in effective fire throughout the battle, he, when the vessel was finally put out of action, persistently employed to the fullest extent all possible measures to extinguish raging fires and control severe damage. His gallant leadership and courageous conduct under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Rank:

Rear Admiral

Awarded on:

May 11th, 1966

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commandant FIFTH Naval District and Commander U.S. Naval Base, Norfolk, Virginia, during the period 12 November 1963 to 30 April 1966. A dynamic leader and administrator, Rear Admiral Taylor ensured that the efforts of the shore activities were at all times channeled toward maximum assistance to the operating forces, thereby enabling them to meet their many and varied operational commitments in defense of the United States and the Free World. Contributing significantly to the growth, training, leadership and increased readiness of the Naval Reserve within the FIFTH Naval District, he substantially enhanced the morale and welfare of Navy personnel and their dependents by vigorous protection of their rights and benefits and by greatly increasing recreational facilities throughout the Tidewater area. Through his exceptional professional competence and consummate grasp of the issues of the day, Rear Admiral Taylor has made an immeasurable contribution to the prestige of the Navy among officials and private citizens alike throughout the Fifth Naval District, and has rendered invaluable assistance to the Commander in Chief United States Atlantic Fleet. His distinguished service was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Board Serial 1514

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Destroyer Squadron 54, U.S. Navy

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander, Destroyer Squadron FORTY-FIVE, with Flag in the U.S.S. FULLAM, during operations against the enemy Japanese Fleet in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, 19 - 20 June 1944. Maneuvering his squadron as the destroyer screen for Task Group FIFTY-EIGHT POINT SEVEN, the spearhead of the five Task Groups comprising Task Force FIFTY-EIGHT, Captain Taylor constantly deployed the ships of his divisions for maximum protection of the fast battleships and cruisers menaced by wave after wave of enemy torpedo bombers. Under his able direction, the screening force, bearing the brunt of vicious aerial attacks, succeeded in scattering the oncoming Japanese formations, blasting and driving off torpedo planes headed for major ships of the Task Group while delivering uninterrupted defensive fire against plunging dive bombers concentrating on the destroyers, with the result that the enemy sustained overwhelming carrier-plane losses as compared with but minor damage to a small number of our ships. Courageous, forceful and unwavering in his devotion to duty, Captain Taylor conducted the operations of his Command with brilliant tactical skill throughout this historic battle, thereby contributing to the crushing defeat of the enemy and to the strategic protection of the concurrent Saipan Operation from hostile interference. His unfaltering leadership in the face of tremendous opposition upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Awarded on:

June 29th, 1944

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a Destroyer Division operating in the South Pacific Area from 1 November 1943 to 31 December 1943. During this period, Commander Taylor's division escorted troop transports to Bougainville, conducted a damaging bombardment of enemy shore installations and repelled two heavy aerial attacks upon the task force. His superior seamanship and sound judgment were directly responsible for the success of each engagement. His brilliant leadership throughout an intensive period of warfare contributed materially to our success in the Bougainville campaign and to the defeat of the enemy in the South Pacific theater. His courageous conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander South Pacific: Serial 001516 (Combat V device)

Rank:

Rear Admiral

Unit:

Antisubmarine Warfare Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, U.S. Navy

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from February 1960 to November 1963 as Commander Antisubmarine Warfare Forces, United States Atlantic Fleet. During the Cuban Missile crisis of October 1962, Rear Admiral Taylor reacted quickly and positively to establish surveillance of Soviet/Bloc activity in the Caribbean Area. Utilizing ship and airborne detection equipment, his forces successfully maintained surveillance of all Soviet/Bloc vessels in the entire Atlantic Area while continuing to provide ASW protection to the quarantine forces. The effectiveness of his units provided an extremely formidable deterrent to the clandestine use of submarines against the blockade forces. Rear Admiral Taylor was particularly effective in establishing efficient, cordial and very effective command relationships with our Canadian Allies to the end that our total ASW forces may now complement each other and function as one force. His inspiring leadership, professional competence, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Gold Star & Combat V device

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

"For meritorious service in action against the enemy...operating in the Bismarck Archipelago area on the night of February 24–25, 1944. Commander Taylor led his ships deep into enemy held waters in a harassing night raid and bombardment of Japanese installations in the vicinity of Rabaul. Despite known enemy shore batteries and possible mine fields, he directed the attack at close range, which resulted in severe damage to supply areas and ammunition dumps. Due to his excellent seamanship and skillful execution of the attack, no damage was inflicted on any of his ships."

With Combat V device

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)