The Blue Shield represents the U.S. Navy and the oceans of the world on which it sails. The chevron refers to Commander Taylor's naval career; its three segments representing the three conflicts during which he served - World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. The two gold stars represent the two previous U.S. Navy destroyers which have borne the name Taylor. The first Destoryer, DD-94, was laid down in 1917 at the Mare Island Navy Yard and was stricken from the navy list in 1938. The second Destoryer, DD-468, was laid down in 1941 at Bath Iron Works and earned a total of 23 Battle Stars for action in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. She was stricken in 1969. The sea lion refers to Commander Taylor's courage and selfless dedication to duty. The sea lion holds a trident, traditionally the symbol of sea power, to symbolize further the three aspects of modern naval warfare in which TAYLOR is a potent adversary - subsurface, surface, and air. The use of silver and scarlet with the traditional blue and gold of the U.S. Navy represents Commander Taylor's shining ideals and gallant self-sacrifice in defense of a fellow aviator.
The wings represent Commander Taylor's service as a Naval Aviator. The scarlet lightning flash refers both to his service as an Aviation Radioman and to his relentless attacks on enemy gun positions during the rescue attempt which cost him his life. The gold cross represents the Navy Cross awarded him posthumously for his heroism. The crossed swords represent the officers and enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy who have given their lives around the globe as proud defenders of freedom and their country.