The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Clarence R. Taylor (ASN: 35082110), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 316th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 March 1945 in Germany. As the initial assault group of which Sergeant Taylor was a member reached the east bank of the Rhine River, it was engaged by enemy machine gun fire. Without the slightest hesitation Sergeant Taylor crawled a hundred yards over open terrain to a position from which he could throw a grenade into the enemy emplacement. Immediately after the burst of his grenade he unflinchingly charged the position and killed one enemy soldier, in the act of throwing a grenade at him. His action not only destroyed the machine gun but also killed five enemy and wounded a sixth, enabling his assault group to continue its advance. The courage and aggressive daring exhibited by Sergeant Taylor reflect highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.