AMONG THE BRAVE

OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER… EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM… LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JESSE JUNIOR TAYLOR…

NAVY CROSS

“The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS (POSTHUMOUSLY) to LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JESSE JUNIOR TAYLOR, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in aerial flight as a Pilot in Attack Carrier Air Wing SIXTEEN embarked in USS ORISKANY (CVA-34), during a rescue combat air patrol over hostile territory in North Vietnam on 17 November 1965. Although his aircraft was severely damaged by heavy enemy ground fire while he was attempting to locate a downed pilot, LIEUTENANT COMMANDER TAYLOR persisted in his efforts until he had definitely ascertained the location of his fellow airman. He then proceeded to attack enemy gun sites which threatened the approach of the rescue helicopter. Only after his aircraft caught fire and a crash was imminent did LIEUTENANT COMMANDER TAYLOR cease his efforts. With his aircraft burning and heavily damaged, he succeeded in reaching the coast of the Gulf of Tonkin in an attempt to ditch but did not survive the crash of his crippled aircraft. In sacrificing his life to save the life of a fellow airman, LIEUTENANT COMMANDER TAYLOR displayed the highest degree of courage and self-sacrifice. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

LCDR JESSE TAYLOR was listed as Missing in Action after the incident that earned him the NAVY CROSS. His remains were identified and returned to the United States in 1975.