Distinguished Service Cross Citation for 2nd Lt. Ken Taylor,
presented Jan. 8, 1942 in a ceremony at Wheeler Field, Oahu, Hawaii.
Kenneth M. Taylor, second Lieutenant, 47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th
Pursuit Group, Air Corps, United States Army. For extraordinary heroism in action over the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii,
and waters adjacent thereto, December 7, 1941. When surprised by a heavy air attack by Japanese forces on Wheeler Field and
vicinity at approximately 8 a.m., he left Wheeler Field and proceeded by automobile, under fire, to Haleiwa Landing Field,
a distance of approximately ten miles, where the planes of his squadron were stationed. He immediately, on his own initiative,
took off for the purpose of attacking the invading forces, without first obtaining information as to the number of planes
in the attacking force, and proceeded to his initial point over Barbers Point. At time of take-off his plane was equipped
with caliber .30 machine guns only. Upon arrival over Barbers Point, he observed a formation of approximately twelve planes
over Ewa, about one thousand feet below and ten miles away.
Accompanied by only one other pursuit ship he immediately attacked
this enemy formation and shot down two enemy planes. No more enemy planes being in sight he proceeded to Wheeler Field to
refuel and replenish ammunition. Just as reloading was completed but before ammunition boxes had been removed a second wave
of enemy planes attacked Wheeler Field, approaching directly toward him at low altitude. Although Lieutenant Taylor had been
advised that he should not go up again he made a quick take-off ending in a chandelle, thereby saving his plane as he escaped
from a superior force of eight to ten planes by climbing into the clouds. Lieutenant Taylor's initiative, presence of mind,
coolness under fire against overwhelming odds in his first battle, expert maneuverering of his plane, and determined action
contributed to a large extent toward driving off this sudden, unexpected enemy air attack.
By order of the Secretary of War
G.G. Marshall, Chief of Staff
Note: In the haste of the Army high command in Hawaii to get
the citation for Lt. Taylor's heroism (and a similar one for Lt. Welch) to the U. S. War Dept. in Washington, DC, it
does not even mention Taylor was wounded on his second flight -- a factor always given serious consideration in
the awarding of medals for combat. Taylor was wounded early in his second flight, but continued his aerial combat with the
Japanese attackers until he had expended his ammunition for the second time. Another apparent error in the citation is
when it states Taylor "proceeded to Wheeler Field to replenish fuel and ammunition." Taylor was adamant that he and Welch
were not refueled before taking off from Wheeler, only rearmed with .50 caliber rounds. Finally, the citations make no
mention of the probability of lives saved and property damage avoided by the two pilots downing several attackers including
Japanese bombers.
