The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] LeRoy Thomas Taylor (NSN: 0-75051), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron ELEVEN (MTB-11), operating against enemy Japanese forces during the New Georgia and Bougainville Campaigns in the Solomon Islands Area in 1943. Daringly leading his patrol sections against hostile barges and shore installations despite heavy Japanese gunfire, bombings and air attacks, Commander Taylor succeeded in inflicting severe damage on the enemy while his own personnel suffered no casualties and his craft only minor damage. On 29 November, he started out with two gunboats and a motor torpedo boat to escort and protect a convoy of landing craft assigned to evacuate a force of 700 Marines trapped in enemy-controlled territory on the west coast of Bougainville Island. Boldly attempting the rescue in daylight under intense hostile fire, Commander Taylor skillfully directed heavy return fire from his escort ships, silencing the Japanese guns on shore. Upon arrival of one of our destroyers, he went aboard and pointed out enemy positions for a bombardment while our craft successfully evacuated the Marines. His inspiring leadership and valiant fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.