The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major [then Captain] Richard H. Taylor (MCSN: 0-76381), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 September 1967. Company E was engaged in a battalion sized search and destroy operation when the lead units came under an intense volume of enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire while crossing an open area. The lead companies, as a result of the devastating enemy fire, received heavy casualties and were pinned down. With complete disregard for his own safety, Major Taylor maneuvered his company to linkup with the besieged unit. Upon joining the heavily engaged forward elements and observing the heavy casualties, he directed his company to gain fire superiority and to secure a landing zone for medical evacuation of the dead and wounded. He continually exposed himself to the heavy volume of enemy fire to direct his men’s fire and shout words of encouragement. Upon being ordered to break contact, he led his men through the hail of erupting artillery fire to the battalion night position, fighting off attempts by the Viet Cong to maneuver around his flanks and rear to cut off his unit. By his outstanding leadership, gallant fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Major Taylor reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.