The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Oliver Burtis Taylor (ASN: 0-22046), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane and as Commanding Officer of the 14th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, on 10 January 1944. Colonel Taylor distinguished himself by his brilliant leadership and keen tactical skill as commander of a P-38 group formation on an escort mission to Bulgaria. In a 35-minute engagement, Colonel Taylor and his flight protected Allied bombers from attacks by 25 to 30 German Me-109s and FW-100s, and destroyed eight enemy aircraft, probably destroyed four, and damaged five. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Taylor, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
14th Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Oliver Burtis Taylor (ASN: 0-22046), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 14th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
14th Fighter GroupDivision:
15th & 12th Air ForceAction Date:
1943 to 1944
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Oliver Burtis Taylor (ASN: 0-22046), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 14th Fighter Group, TWELFTH and FIFTEENTH Air Force, from 1943 to 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Taylor and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Colonel (Air Corps)Regiment:
14th Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Oliver Burtis Taylor (ASN: 0-22046), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer, 14th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.