The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William R. Taylor (ASN: 33245565), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy during World War II. During the FIFTH Army drives toward the Mignano entrance to the Liri valley, German forces from positions in mountain dugouts commanded direct observation of American units’ movements. Faced with the task of laying wires which would serve as battalion axis of signal communications, Private Taylor and his comrades worked under incessant artillery and mortar barrages. Going forward of the infantry troops, Private First Class Taylor proceeded to lay and repair lines to the front. When the communications chief and wire sergeant were wounded and had to be evacuated, Private First Class Taylor assumed command of the platoon and continued to lay his wires. Faced by small arms fire and without adequate cover he succeeded in coordinating the communication agencies to the greatest benefit of his commander. His personal work and direction of wire laying under extremely heavy fire and with utter disregard for his personal safety enabled the battalion commander to keep continuous communication to the front and rear. Subsequently killed in action, his gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.