The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Edwin F. Reeg (ASN: US-55068177), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19 September 1951 in the vicinity of Pia-ri, Korea. On this date Company M had the mission to cover the strategic withdrawal of a friendly unit. During this action it became necessary to move a machine gun to a position from where it could be more effective against the onrushing hostile force. Without hesitating and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Private Reeg voluntarily crossed the fire-swept area and placed his weapon in an exposed position. From this point, he employed a heavy concentration of fire upon the hostile forces, inflicting numerous casualties upon them and continued this action until his wounded comrades were evacuated. When it was again decided to move the weapon so that its full fire power could be utilized, Private Reeg, despite the intense enemy fire, carried his machine gun to a new emplacement. In the course of this action, he was seriously wounded and evacuated. Through his courageous efforts, friendly elements were able to complete their mission successfully and his wounded comrades were safely evacuated. The gallantry in action displayed by Private Reeg on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.