Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

37mm Howitzer Platoon, Weapons Company, 4th Marine Division "Fighting Fourth", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

Citation:
"For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy on IWO JIMA, VOLCANO ISLANDS, on 24 February, 1945. While serving as a member of a 37mm Howitzer platoon supporting the attack of a Marine infantry battalion whose advance was held up by enemy machine gun fire, Private Firts Class TAYLOR, with the other members of his crew,moved through the direct line of enemy fire and took up a firing position immidiately in front of the infantry battalion in order to destroy the enemy. Rough terrain and mined area, precluding the use of a prime mover. The gun was pulled by hand a distance of approximately two hundred and fifty yards. From this position one enemy machine gun of large calibre, two enemy machine guns and crews, two enemy observers were sighted. Both of the enemy were taken under fire and both were destroyed. This action aided in reducing the defense of the enemy to such an extent that the infantry in that area was able to continue in the attack. His courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."