Thomas H. Taylor’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to

Thomas H. Taylor

Ensign, U.S. Navy

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. NEVADA (BB-36), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Having assumed control of the port anti-aircraft battery of the U.S.S. NEVADA, Ensign Taylor continued to direct efficiently that battery throughout the attack, although wounded by shell fragments, burned and deafened due to broken eardrums. His presence of mind in playing a hose on the ready ammunition boxes that were becoming very hot, due to the proximity of fires, prevented casualties and heavy damage to the battery. The conduct of Ensign Taylor throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.