The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Billy Joe Taylor (MCSN: 2311662), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Combined Action Platoon 1-3-3, 1st Combined Action Group, 3d Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 2 August 1968, two Viet Cong companies launched a coordinated rocket, mortar and ground attack against positions approximately 1,000 meters apart near the village of Phouc Hoa in Quang Ngai Province. When his squad leader was seriously wounded, Corporal Taylor unhesitatingly assumed command, requesting and directing the fire of helicopter gunships and other supporting arms. Alertly perceiving that the attack on his compound was diversionary and that the Mobile Training Team’s position was in danger of being overrun, he quickly assembled a reaction force and led it to the relief of the beleaguered unit. Boldly counterattacking across the open, fire-swept terrain, he aggressively led his unit through the enemy positions and, arriving at the besieged compound, observed that approximately forty Viet Cong soldiers had overrun the position, killing or wounding all the defenders. Realizing that immediate action was necessary to save those Marines and Popular Forces soldiers still alive, he completely disregarded his own safety and aggressively led a determined assault on the hostile force. Fearlessly remaining at the head of the attacking column, he was mortally wounded by the intense enemy fire. Inspired by his heroic and selfless actions, his comrades continued the assault, forcing the enemy to flee and killing fifty-nine hostile soldiers in the compound and surrounding area. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Taylor was instrumental in the defeat of the enemy force and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.