First Lieutenant (Chaplain) Robert Preston Taylor, United States Army, was captured by Japanese forces after the fall of Bataan in 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control in 1945.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)Regiment:
31st Infantry RegimentDivision:
Philippine DivisionAction Date:
January 24 – 25, 1942
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Robert Preston Taylor (ASN: 0-384411), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Regimental Chaplain of the 31st Infantry Regiment, Philippine Division, in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, while on patrol duty on the night of 24 – 25 January 1942, near Abucay, Bataan, Philippine Islands. While his regiment was fighting a withdrawal action from the Abucay Hacienda position, Chaplain Taylor kept his patrol in enemy territory and brought back to the regimental aid station many men who were wounded in the action. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.