The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Wesley Bayard Taylor, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Taylor distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, as Assistant Battalion Advisor to the 3d Airborne Battalion, Airborne Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, in action against the enemy on 18 – 19 November 1967. During this period, the 3d Battalion was involved in an attack on an occupied hill northeast of Dak To. On the night of 18 November an attempt was initiated to infiltrated a company-size element of the 3d Battalion through well-defensed enemy positions. Captain Taylor unhesitatingly volunteered to accompany the unit on this perilous mission. The unit met with initial success but was eventually discovered. Realizing the danger if the unit became cut off, Captain Taylor urged his counterpart to withdraw. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Captain Taylor remained behind to direct United States artillery onto the enemy positions, thus effectively protecting the withdrawing friendly forces. Only after the friendly forces had succeeded in completely withdrawing did he relinquish his position. The next day, as the battalion launched its final attack on the objective, fierce B-40 rocket, mortar, and small arms fire halted all forward movement. Heedless of the extreme danger, Captain Taylor moved to the point of heaviest contact, rallied the Vietnamese soldiers, and valiantly led a charge over the top of the enemy positions. As a direct result of his unremitting devotion to duty in the most uncompromising of circumstances, a dug-in and determined enemy was defeated and significant victory obtained. Captain Taylor’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.