The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Reginald J. Hinton (ASN: 0-1313094), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, Tank Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 September 1950 on the Naktong River Front, Korea. Captain Hinton had been given the mission of determining the position of adjoining troops, which had been cut off during the enemy penetration of 1 – 2 September 1950. With his command tank and another tank, he daringly penetrated the lines of the attacking enemy and established contact with the battalion on the left. After establishing contact, he led his tanks through the enemy held terrain to his own unit, picking up several wounded on the way and evacuating them to aid stations. Throughout this operation, which penetrated 15 miles into enemy territory, he was exposed to intense enemy fire and was entirely without infantry support. By his bold leadership and complete disregard for personal safety he established the location of the isolated troops and succeeded in clearing a path for the infantry to join the separated battalion. The gallantry displayed by Captain Hinton on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

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.