Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    19th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 16, 1950

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 262 (December 14, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Howard Rex Reed (ASN: RA-19317711), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near the Kum River, Korea, on 16 July 1950. His company had been attacked by the numerically superior enemy and forced to withdraw to more tenable positions. During the withdrawal when he was engaged in covering the company’s movement he observed a wounded officer lying in an exposed position. With utter disregard for his own safety, Corporal Reed left his concealed position and ran through a hail of withering small arms fire, reached the officer’s side and removed him to an abandoned vehicle. Under continuous fire he succeeded in placing the officer in the vehicle and as he started to leave the area he was struck by enemy fire and fell from the vehicle. Disregarding his own wounds he again attempted to remove the stricken officer. The enemy, pouring a deadly hail of fire into the area, found his mark and Corporal Reed was killed. His fearless actions and complete devotion to his fallen officer reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.