The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Bruce L. Taylor, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 July 1970. Chief Warrant Officer Taylor distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of an AH-1G armed helicopter during the evacuation of Fire Support Base Ripcord, Republic of Vietnam. When the firebase was attacked by enemy ground forces, Chief Warrant Officer Taylor made a visual reconnaissance of the base’s perimeter and the surrounding area, detecting and effectively engaging several enemy emplacements with aerial rocket artillery. After refueling and rearming, he returned to the base and provided covering fire while friendly forces were extracted. When the firebase had been evacuated, he remained in the area despite intense hostile fire and assaulted known enemy positions. Chief Warrant Officer Taylor’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Bruce L. Taylor, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 17 April 1970. Warrant Officer Taylor distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of an AH-1G armed helicopter on a visual reconnaissance mission in the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. A light observation aircraft was downed by enemy fire, and Warrant Officer Taylor located a landing zone from which a rescue helicopter could extract the wounded aircraft commander and pilot. He leveled suppressive fire so the rescue helicopter could establish a steady hover in the landing zone and made numerous low level assaults on nearby enemy fortifications and automatic weapons positions despite intense hostile fire. On the final low level assault, he expended all his ordnance to enable the rescue helicopter to ascend. His actions were greatly responsible for the success of the extraction and the safety of the downed crew. Warrant Officer Taylor’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.