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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Harold L. Reese, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Mezy, France, 15 July 1918. During the unprecedented artillery bombardment preparatory to the great German offensive of 15 July Lieutenant Reese maintained liaison between different signal units by visiting the positions during the bombardment. It seemed utterly impossible for runners to venture through this fire, yet Lieutenant Reese voluntarily led a detail through the barrage and thus established communication, also encouraging his men to greater efforts.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    30th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Harold L. Reese, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While in Command of Headquarters Detachment, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the German thrust across the Marine on 15 July 1918, near Mezy, France, Lieutenant Reese during a heavy bombardment of gas and high explosive shells, displayed conspicuous gallantry, by maintaining liaison between the signal detachments located at various points in the zone of the bombardment and by periodical visits to the different liaison stations. On two different occasions when the bombardment was at its height and it looked as if it meant death to send the runners on this duty, Lieutenant Reese volunteered and personally led these men through the barrage. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]