The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) William J. R. Taylor, United States Army Air Service, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 3d Balloon Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Malancourt and Montfaucon, France, September 26 – 10 October 1918. On 26 September while conducting an important observation, Lieutenant Taylor was twice attacked by enemy planes. He would not jump from his balloon because of the valuable work he was doing for the Infantry, although he was at all times in danger of losing his life from incendiary bullets. On 3 October near Montfaucon, Lieutenant Taylor was attacked, but refused to leave until his balloon caught ore. Again, on 6 October he was attacked and forced down in his parachute. On 10 October while he was conducting an important observation, an enemy patrol hovered over his balloon; he refused to jump until attacked at close quarters. His heroic devotion to duty was an inspiration to the officers and men of his company.