The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Melvin L. Taylor, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action at Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 6 November 1944. Private Taylor volunteered to go to the rear to bring up vitally needed machine guns and mortar ammunition. With utter disregard for his own safety he crossed ground in a truck under intense enemy fire. Upon returning with ammunition the truck was hit putting it out of action. Private Taylor jumped from the truck and assisted in the defense of this ammunition, securing it until elements of his unit were able to reach it. Private Taylor’s courage and determination are a credit to himself and are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.