Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

Company C, 303rd Engineer Battalion, 78th Infantry Division "Lightning", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

February 20th, 1945

Citation:
"For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on 9 February in the vicinity of ..., Germany.

Private First Class Taylor, a member of an engineer reconnaissance party, went forward with an infantry attack, during absolute darkness, over 1500 yards of rough weeded terrain to a dam of great military value. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he descended a steep, 75-feet cliff to the valve house believed to be prepared for demolition. Upon arrival, the party found the installation partially destroyed and protected by a nearby fortified gun emplacement. In spite of the nearness of the enemy and the damage already done Private First Class Taylor assisted the party in roughly examining the valve house use for further demolitions and booby-traps and returned with a clear, detailed report of the findings. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty are in accordance with the highest military traditions."

- Headquarters, 78th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 43 (20 February, 1945).