Korean War
| Service # | 051174 |
|---|---|
| Unit | H CO 3 BN 5 MAR 1 MAR DIV |
| Rank | Captain U.S. Marine Corps |
| Date of Death | March 26 1953 |
| Status | Missing In Action |
| Memorialized |
Courts of the Missing
Court
8
Honolulu Memorial |
Combat Action Ribbon (Navy)
Korean Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Navy Cross
Purple Heart
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
World War II Victory Medal
For his leadership and valor, Captain Taft was awarded the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Korea War Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Notes
Captain Taft was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was a platoon leader in Company H, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. On March 26, 1953, his platoon was attacked by superior enemy forces at "Outpost Vegas", South Korea. He exposed himself to enemy fire to direct his platoon to defend against the attack. When his position was overrun he fought hand to hand with the enemy, until he was mortally wounded by an enemy satchel charge. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.