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 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 27 March 1970. Warrant Officer Taylor distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of an AH-1G armed helicopter on a reconnaissance mission in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. While flying over the A Shau Valley, Warrant Officer Taylor’s aircraft received small arms and machine gun fire. He immediately returned a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the enemy positions which enabled another armed helicopter to break contact. Warrant Officer Taylor provided covering fire for two light observation helicopters that had come under intense enemy fire while marking targets. He continued to make several more assaults on the hostile positions with machine gun and grenade fire, plotting each location and relaying the information to the mission commander. His actions contributed greatly to the success of the mission. 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 Untied States Army.