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Navy Federal Credit Union
John
McNay
Taylor

Home:

Vallejo

, 

California

John Taylor graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1926. He retired as a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Montpelier (CL-57)

    Action Date:

    March 5, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 00472 (May 21, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander John McNay Taylor (NSN: 0-60212), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Gunnery Officer of the U.S.S. MONTPELIER operating as a unit of a Task Force during a bombardment of Japanese airfields and shore installations in the Vila-Stanhope area on Kolombangara, British Solomon Islands on the night of 5 March 1943. While proceeding through Kula Gulf to the target area, the Task Force engaged and sank two enemy destroyers. By his able direction and accurate control of the ship’s fire, Commander Taylor contributed materially to the success of the surface engagement and to the successful completion of the bombardment mission. His courage was an inspiration to all aboard and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    May 1964 – May 1967
    All Hands (February 1968)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral John McNay Taylor (NSN: 0-60212), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Western Sea Frontier from May 1964 through May 1967, and while assigned additional duty as Commander TWELFTH Naval District and Commander Naval Base, San Francisco until 9 September 1965; Commander Defense Forces, Eastern Pacific until 20 September 1966; and Commander Pacific Reserve Fleet until 1 October 1966.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    August 24, 1943 – August 8, 1945
    Commander Amphibious Forces Pacific: Serial 1852 (April 5, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain John McNay Taylor (NSN: 0-60212), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Gunnery Officer on the Staff of Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet, from 24 August 1943 to 8 August 1945. During this period Captain Taylor pioneered the development of doctrines and methods for pre-assault naval bombardment and direct gunfire support of ground forces in amphibious operations. He prepared detailed plans for, and directed the execution of naval gunfire support at Makin, Kwajalein, Saipan, Iwo Jima and Okinawa Gunto; was responsible for the development of basic policies of organization, training and employment of Underwater Demolitions Teams; organized and executed methods of rapid ammunition re-supply of ships at the objectives; developed the tactical employment of gunboat and rocket vessel support types. His exceptional talent for organization, training and supervision of operations contributed in a large measure to the success of all amphibious operations in the Pacific Ocean Areas, and will in the future continue to contribute thereto, through the standard gunfire doctrines he has produced. His personal courage, determination in the face of the enemy and outstanding leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Taylor is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)