The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Warrant Officer (W-1) Richard P. Taylor (ASN: W-3159225), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 71st Aviation Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 6 May 1968. Warrant Officer Taylor distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a team leader of a light fire team of armed helicopters scrambled to locate and support a re-supply helicopter which was believed to have been shot down. During the search, the team received intense enemy automatic weapons fire, and the wing ship was shot down in flames. Warrant Officer Taylor began attacking the locations of enemy fire, and three to four .50 caliber positions opened up on his aircraft. Nevertheless, he continued his attempt to suppress the enemy fire while taking numerous hits through the cockpit and fuselage. He descended to an altitude of less than 200 feet and placed fire on all sides of the downed aircraft and on suspected locations. He continually circled the downed aircraft and placed suppressive fire on the enemy,. Which enabled the crash victims to leave the ship and find shelter from enemy fire. Still taking numerous hits in his aircraft, he circled above the downed ship calling by radio for assistance. He coordinated with an infantry commander for a patrol to help find the crew. Although low on ordnance and fuel, he escorted the aircraft carrying the patrol to within 100 meters of the downed aircraft and quickly destroyed an enemy automatic weapons position. Air strikes by Marine jets were called in and adjusted through the Forward Air Controller by Warrant Officer Taylor and destroyed several more heavy and light caliber automatic weapons positions. He then coordinated and supported a two company assault into the area and provided deadly accurate rocket fire upon enemy positions. Next, he led an attack upon known enemy positions and placed extremely accurate fire upon them, thereby enabling friendly ground elements to recover the bodies of the downed crew and passengers. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.