The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Reginald J. Hinton (ASN: 0-1313094), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of Tank Company, 38 Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 12 February 1951 in the vicinity of Hoengsong, Korea. Captain Hinton was in the company of his regimental commander, witnessing the operation of a tank-infantry task force whose mission it was to break through enemy lines, effect a junction with surrounded friendly units, and support their withdrawal. When the advance of the task force was halted by hostile mortar fire at a defile, the regimental commander ordered Captain Hinton to assume command. Unhesitatingly and without question, Captain Hinton rushed to the point where the tanks were halted and, placing himself ahead of the lead tank, assumed command of the task force, utterly heedless of the heavy enemy fire around him. Inspired by his example of fearlessness, the tankers and infantrymen immediately resumed their advance while he led them on foot, pointing out targets and directing tank fire on enemy emplacements. Under his aggressive leadership the task force effected a link-up with the surrounded forward units. He then disposed his men to act as a covering force and, under the screen of his fire, led the units back through the enemy roadblocks until friendly lines were reached. The gallantry and inspirational leadership displayed by Captain Hinton reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Reginald J. Hinton (ASN: 0-1313094), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Kunmul-gol, Korea. On that date the 2d Battalion was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. During the action, captain Hinton was given command of the unit when the commanding officer and executive officer were wounded and the battalion command post was overrun and communications disrupted. Despite the fact, he calmly accepted command and immediately commenced the task of assembling and forming the remaining elements of the unit as they infiltrated back to the assembly point. He fearlessly exposed himself to the enemy fire as he led friendly tanks and infantrymen into the battle. Moving forward during the rage of action, he found the forward progress of the unit halted by the enemy, who was delivering heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire from well concealed and entrenched positions. Without regard for his personal safety, he advanced to the forward elements and, upon organizing the men, directed them in the assault. His personal courage and bravery under intense hostile fire inspired the weary troops to make an all out effort and rout the enemy from his positions. The gallantry in action and outstanding leadership displayed by Captain Hinton on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.