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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Joseph C. Reed (ASN: 0-437044), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, on 15 February 1943. First Lieutenant Reed was flying the number two position on the Dawn Airdrome Patrol. They observed four ME-109’s dive from the sun to strafe the airdrome. Lieutenant Reed dived to attack. Lieutenant Reed was successful in covering the lead man from two of the other aircraft, but the third came up from the rear and riddled Lieutenant Reed’s aircraft with cannon and machine gun fire. Without fear of his own life, and with extraordinary bravery, Lieutenant Reed used his last effort to prevent his plane from crashing into a British Anti-Aircraft post occupied by several members of its crew. Lieutenant Reed crashed on the highway near the airdrome and died instantly. 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 Air Forces.