The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Ensign Howard Wendall Taylor, United States Navy, for heroic conduct when a crew member fell into icy waters during the foundering of the U.S.S. TRUXTON on 18 February 1942. Ensign Taylor fearlessly dived over the side and fought through a treacherous, pounding surf to return the man safely aboard. His courage and initiative saved the life of a man who otherwise might have perished.