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 with Combat “V” to Captain Max O. Taylor, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an RF-101 pilot over North Vietnam on 9 September 1965. On that date, Captain Taylor led a flight of two unarmed and unescorted reconnaissance aircraft into a heavily defended hostile area and despite receiving damage to his aircraft over the first target he continued to a second target. Both missions were highly successful and vital planning information was obtained. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Taylor reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.