The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Edgar Franklin Reed (ASN: 2386954), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company E, 61st Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Bois-des-Rappes, France, October 14 – 16, 1918, and at Aincreville, France, October 31 and 2 November 1918. On October 16 Sergeant Reed made his way through the German line, carrying a wounded companion. Although wounded and burned by mustard gas, he remained on duty, refusing to be evacuated. On 31 October he volunteered and materially assisted in the holding of Aincreville while the defense was organized. On November 2 he received a wound from which he later died, but he remained at his post acting as sniper for four hours.