The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William W. Taylor (MCSN: 0-43023), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader and subsequently as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 1 to 10 December 1950. With his company commander fatally struck down and the enemy inflicting heavy casualties among his units during an attack against a numerically superior hostile force in a blinding snow storm, which rendered the use of supporting arms ineffective, First Lieutenant Taylor immediately assumed command and effected a skillful reorganization while under direct hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire. Personally leading the assault, he moved among his men along the line, shouting words of encouragement and directing their fire until the objective had been seized with heavy losses to the enemy. When the enemy fiercely counterattacked in a blistering night engagement, First Lieutenant Taylor again maneuvered from one sector to another around the defense perimeter, repeatedly placing himself in an exposed position and personally engaging in the bitter fight against the fanatical attackers throughout the night. By his daring and courageous leadership, fearless tactics and indomitable fighting spirit, First Lieutenant Taylor served as a constant inspiration to all who observed him and contributed materially to the success achieved by his unit. His heroic actions throughout this period of intensive combat were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.