“For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Solomons Campaign, March 15 to October 7, 1943. Frequently traversing unfamiliar waters deep in enemy territory at night, the U.S.S. TAYLOR operated effectively in support of offensive operations during this period of intensive hostilities, providing escort for troop transport convoys, minelayers, supply and evacuation units, and serving in an anti-submarine screen in the Guadalcanal area. On March 15, she proceeded into Kula Gulf to launch the first of several bombardments against enemy installations in the New Georgia area, and on April 7, fought her guns gallantly against a large force of hostile air raiders, destroying three Japanese planes before returning to her escort missions. While screening landing operations in Kula Gulf, New Georgia Island, during the early morning hours of July 12, the TAYLOR obtained a radar and visual contact on a surfaced enemy submarine and, by her accurate gunfire and depth charges, sank the Japanese submarine I-25. Proceeding with the Task Force to intercept Japanese forces on three occasions, she coordinated with other destroyers in the van to launch torpedo attacks and engage the enemy with guns in perilous surface engagements which resulted in the destruction of several enemy ships and numerous barges and the damaging of others. Retiring unscathed from these various missions, the U.S.S. TAYLOR, by her own combat readiness and the steadfast devotion to duty of her entire ship’s company, contributed directly to the success of numerous escort, rescue and bombardment operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”