The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert Duncan Reed (ASN: 0-68768), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Kunmoani, Korea, on 9 February 1951. First Lieutenant Reed’s company was attacking Hill 584, defended by an estimated enemy reinforced company in excellently prepared, sandbagged, and camouflaged positions, supported by an estimated two battalions which the enemy-held as a counterattack force on the reverse slope of the hill. The fighting here was exceedingly bitter, for it was necessary to dig the enemy from his positions with hand grenades and bayonets. As his platoon moved against successive positions, First Lieutenant Reed went immediately to the area under the most intense enemy fire, seeking means to eliminate them without loss among his men. He was totally disregarding his own safety during the entire attack and was continually urging and inspiring his men to greater effort. It was under his direction that his platoon, as it neared the top of the hill used grenades to stun the enemy troops int heir holes and then went in to finish the task in a fierce bayonet attack. He quickly reorganized his men in a fierce bayonet charge which cleared the way to advance over the summit of the hill. There, he again effected reorganization and had his men in position and ready when the enemy counterattack came. As swarms of the enemy approached his position he led his men in a fierce bayonet charge which halted the attack of overwhelmingly superior numbers and through his inspired leadership the platoon held its ground until ordered to withdraw. On receiving this order, he organized his men for a fighting withdrawal and was the last of his platoon to leave the top of the hill. Returning to friendly lines, his platoon covered the movement of the company and it was primarily due to his example of selfless courage and superlative leadership under the most intense enemy fire, at point blank ranges, that his platoon was able to fight its way through. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Reed, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.