Lawrence Coburn Taylor

Lawrence Coburn Taylor was a United States Marine Corps aviator who was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for actions during World War II.

Marine Corps career

Taylor was born on May 12, 1920 at Santa Ana, California. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on January 14, 1941. He was commissioned 2d lieutenant on March 24, 1941, and after flight training served in the Pacific.

Awarded the Silver Star

Lieutenant Taylor was killed in combat during the Solomon Islands campaign in the summer of 1942. He was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry while serving with a Marine Fighter Squadron August 24, 1942.

“Prevented by a faulty engine from taking off with his flight to attack a hostile force of greatly superior strength, 2d Lieutenant Taylor skillfully effected hasty repairs and took off alone...his superb airmanship and dauntless courage under adverse conditions enabled him to destroy one heavy bomber...Taylor’s exemplary conduct and unswerving devotion to duty were an inspiration to the members of his squadron and in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.”

Namesake

USS Lawrence C. Taylor (DE-415) was laid down December 20, 1943 by Brown Shipbuilding Co., Houston, Texas; launched January 29, 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Lawrence H. Taylor, mother of Lt. Taylor; and commissioned May 13, 1944, Lt. Comdr. R. Cullinan, Jr., in command.

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

• Lawrence Coburn Taylor