The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Harold K. Taylor (MCSN: 0-8921), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving with the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands, on 29 and 31 October 1942. Volunteering with five enlisted men to take a patrol into the area west of the Matanikau River, Guadalcanal, Second Lieutenant Taylor located and put out of action two enemy field pieces, accomplishing this operation under direct observation of the enemy. During a similar patrol into the same area two days later, he and his men were engaged by a well-emplaced, numerically superior enemy force. Understanding the critical situation, Second Lieutenant Taylor ordered the withdrawal of his patrol and, by his brave and skillful direction of this move, made possible the safe return of his entire group although he, himself, was killed during the action. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.