The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William W. Taylor (MCSN: 0-43023), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader and subsequently as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 1 to 10 December 1950. With his company commander fatally struck down and the enemy inflicting heavy casualties among his units during an attack against a numerically superior hostile force in a blinding snow storm, which rendered the use of supporting arms ineffective, First Lieutenant Taylor immediately assumed command and effected a skillful reorganization while under direct hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire. Personally leading the assault, he moved among his men along the line, shouting words of encouragement and directing their fire until the objective had been seized with heavy losses to the enemy. When the enemy fiercely counterattacked in a blistering night engagement, First Lieutenant Taylor again maneuvered from one sector to another around the defense perimeter, repeatedly placing himself in an exposed position and personally engaging in the bitter fight against the fanatical attackers throughout the night. By his daring and courageous leadership, fearless tactics and indomitable fighting spirit, First Lieutenant Taylor served as a constant inspiration to all who observed him and contributed materially to the success achieved by his unit. His heroic actions throughout this period of intensive combat were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William W. Taylor (MCSN: 0-43023), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 April 1951. Painfully wounded by grenade shrapnel as he bravely moved to the focal point of a night attack by a numerically superior enemy force, First Lieutenant Taylor steadfastly refused medical aid and courageously moved from one position to another along the defense line, shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing the fire of his unit. With the hostile force launching repeated assaults, he skillfully deployed automatic weapons to outmaneuver the attackers and, at dawn, resolutely led a counterattack which completely routed the enemy, submitting to medical treatment only after the integrity of the position was assured. By his aggressive leadership, inspiring courage and unwavering devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Taylor contributed materially to the successful defense of the strategic ground and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.