William J. R. Taylor

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William J. R. Taylor, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action near Malancourt and Montfaucon, France, September 26 – October 10, 1918. On September 26, while conducting an important observation, Lieutenant Taylor was twice attacked by enemy planes. He would not jump from his balloon because of the valuable work he was doing for the Infantry, although he was at all times in danger of losing his life from incendiary bullets. On October 3, near Montfaucon, Lieutenant Taylor was attacked, but refused to leave until his balloon caught ore. Again, on October 6, he was attacked and forced down in his parachute. On October 10, while he was conducting an important observation, an enemy patrol hovered over his balloon; he refused to jump until attacked at close quarters. His heroic devotion to duty was an inspiration to the officers and men of his company.