The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Specialist Fourth Class Ronald G. Taylor, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Kingdom of Laos. Specialist Fourth Class Taylor distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 March 1971 while serving as a Helicopter Crew Chief with the 71st Assault Helicopter Company, 14th Combat Aviation Battalion, 23d Infantry Division. On that date, Specialist Taylor was flying in support of South Vietnamese ground operations near Landing Zone LOLO. Despite the heavy enemy anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire, he unhesitatingly engaged the North Vietnamese emplacements with highly accurate fire from his vulnerable position. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he skillfully maintained excellent visual reconnaissance of the area and kept the aircraft commander in close contact with the location of enemy positions. Although his ship was repeatedly engaged by direct hostile fire, he realized the importance of troop insertion and re-supply and overcame numerous obstacles to successfully complete the mission. Through his timely and courageous actions, he contributed greatly in securing the safety of his entire crew and effectively supporting the allied ground forces. Specialist Fourth Class Taylor’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 23d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.