The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander John Barrett Taylor, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BENHAM (DD-379), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 14 – 15 November 1942. Commander Taylor inflicted severe damage on superior forces before his own ship was struck by torpedoes. With his ship badly buckled by the terrific force of explosions and the bow completely gone, he fought grimly to keep her afloat until heavy weather forced him to abandon her. Then Commander Taylor managed to save every man aboard. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.