Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 145 (March 15, 1944)
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.