The  President  of  the  United  States  takes pleasure  in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

         CITATION:

                      "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity  in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364,  Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing  in connection  with  combat  operations  against  the enemy in the Republic  of  Vietnam.   On  the  morning  of  19  December  1970, Corporal Taylor  launched as  Crew Chief  aboard the lead aircraft  in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned  the mission  of transporting  elements of two Marine companies to various sites in Quang Nam Province.   While on an approach to one of the landing zones in the Que Son Mountains, his aircraft lost power,  crashed approximately  seventy-five yards short of the zone, rolled to its left, came to rest on its port side among large boulders,  and  immediately  burst into flames.  Although thrown to the deck and injured at the time of the impact, Corporal Taylor  quickly recovered  and exited the burning  helicopter.  Hearing screams  from  inside the  transport,  Corporal Taylor,  undaunted  by exploding mortar rounds and ammunition and  intense  heat,  completely  disregarding  his own safety as he  fearlessly reentered  the blazing  aircraft and  struggled until he freed his aerial gunner from the wreckage.  He then carried him to the hatch and lifted him out through the open hatch where other  Marines carried  the  injured Marine to safety.  Although overcome by the heat and his painful injuries, which required  him to be helped out of the helicopter, he refused to leave the area and soon  recovered  enough strength  to assist  in freeing  other  crew  members and leading them to safety.  By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Taylor was instrumental in saving the lives of some of his fellow Marines  and  upheld  the  highest  tradi- tions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."