The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Reginald E. Davies (ASN: 33145173), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Parachute Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. On 19 September 1944 he was serving as a machine gunner in the vicinity of Best, Holland. When a rifle platoon became pinned down by enemy machine guns and 20-mm cannon fire, he exposed himself to the enemy fire in order to place his gun in a position from which he could deliver effective fire upon the enemy weapon. The fire from his gun destroyed the 20-mm. cannon and exploded an ammunition dump. The explosion caused a great deal of confusion among the enemy forces, and his platoon was able to close in and drive the enemy from their positions. His actions were in accord with the military traditions of the United States.