Original Item: This is a Chinese Order of the Cloud Medal 3rd class which was awarded to United States Navy Captain Howard W. Taylor. Cpt. Taylor was a member of the 1927 U.S. Naval Academy Class who served during both World War Two and the Korean War. During his 30-year career in the Navy, Capt. Taylor was assigned aboard several destroyers, a fleet oil tanker, attack transport and cruisers. He also was assigned to Navy intelligence and the Munition Allocations Committee in Washington, D.C. Capt. Taylor also served as assistant chief of staff for Navy operations of the Fifth Naval District and was responsible for planning, directing movement, maintenance, inspection and repair of about 62 vessels. Cpt. Taylor passed away in 1978 and his obituary can be found at this link.

The name of the recipient Howard Taylor is written on the outer cardboard box of the Cloud And Banner medal. The medal is "The Order of the Resplendent Banner", also known as "The Order of the Cloud and Banner (Special Breast Order of the Yun Hui)". This medal was instituted on June 15, 1935 and is awarded in nine grades for contributions to national security. The insignia of the order features a fluttering yellow flag, surrounded by white clouds on a blue field. This image is surrounded by blue rays. This medal is a 3rd level with special rosette. This medal is silver with enamel decoration. The medal is numbered on the reverse side 2337 along with multiple Chinese characters. Included with the medal are the original box and a medal ribbon bar. Overall condition of the medal is very good to excellent. One short side of the box is missing.

Also included are the ribbons (no medal only ribbons) for the China War Memorial Medal. The full name is The Medal in Commemoration of Victory in the Resistance Against Aggression. It was established by the Republic of China, commonly known as Taiwan in 1944 and was first issued in October 1946. It was issued to all servicemen and other people who assisted the Chinese Armies in the war against Japan during World War Two. Both military and civilians could be awarded.