SILVER STAR MEDAL to SERGEANT JAMES C. TAYLOR UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS For service as set forth in the following CITATION: FOR THE
PRESIDENT H. W. BUSE,
JR. LIEUTENANT
GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING
GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
the
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action while serving as with
Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in
connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On
17 September 1969, Company L was occupying a night defensive position
northwest of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under a
vicious ground attack by a North Vietnamese Army battalion supported by
rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons fire and accompanied by a
sapper unit utilizing satchel charges. In the initial moments of the fierce
assault several Marines were wounded, and observing one casualty lying in a
dangerously exposed position, Sergeant Taylor unhesitatingly raced across
the fire-swept terrain to his companion’s side, then picking up the injured
man, he fearlessly carried him to a covered position. For the next several
hours, Sergeant Taylor repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fire raking
the area as he moved from one Marine position to another, encouraging his
men, supplying them with ammunition, and directing their suppressive fire
at the determined hostile soldiers. As the tempo of the battle increased,
he noted that one section of the defensive perimeter was in imminent danger
of being penetrated, and realizing the seriousness of the situation, boldly
led a reaction force to that point to prevent North Vietnamese exploitation
of the critical situation. When the enemy resorted to radio jamming
techniques, Sergeant Taylor, with complete disregard for his own safety,
continually braved the hostile round impacting in the are to maneuver from
one position to another, relaying instructions and orders to his squad
leaders. His heroic actions and resolute efforts inspired all who observed
him, and provide the coordination necessary to defeat the enemy. By his
courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face
of grave personal danger, Sergeant Taylor contributed significantly to the
accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of
the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
