Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

175th Infantry Regiment

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard N. Reed (0-1295086), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 175th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 June 1944, in France. With a single cartridge remaining in his carbine, Second Lieutenant Reed, with utter disregard for his own safety, inched his way toward an enemy machine gun which pinned his platoon to the ground. Upon reaching a point ten yards from the emplacement, he leaped to his feet, charged the weapon, fired his single round and killed the gunner. With the butt of his carbine, he stunned the assistant gunner with a heavy blow. Although he was severely wounded during the engagement, Second Lieutenant Reed neutralized the position, thus enabling his platoon to continue the advance and secure its objective. The outstanding courage, conspicuous leadership and determination displayed by Second Lieutenant Reed exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 29th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.


Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 1 (January 1, 1945).