James E. Taylor, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to James E. Taylor, Jr. (0-16931), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during the assault and subsequent establishment of a beachhead on the enemy Japanese-held Island of Tinian in the Marianas Group, on 24 July 1944. Immediately commandeering another craft when the boat under his command was disabled while advancing in the initial assault wave, First Lieutenant Taylor successfully gained the beach and rejoined his company and, organizing his platoon under extremely difficult conditions, fearlessly exposed himself to terrific blasts of Japanese machine-gun, mortar and rifle fire as he pushed relentlessly forward, undeterred by stubborn enemy resistance, and waged a bitterly fought battle against the island’s ruthless defenders. Sustaining severe wounds in the action which later proved fatal, he resolutely continued to direct the fiercely aggressive operations of his platoon and succeeded in materially extending our limited beachhead before allowing himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. By his forceful leadership, effective combat tactics and tenacious determination in the face of fanatic opposition, First Lieutenant Taylor contributed essentially to the ultimate conquest of this vital Japanese stronghold, and his valiant conduct throughout a period of savage hostilities reflects the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 13037 (March 22, 1945)