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 Private Leander Reel (ASN: 35394808), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force on 9 June 1944, near LeFiere, France, while serving with Company G, 3d Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division. After the successful crossing of the Mederet River, heavy opposition was encountered by Company G. The Company Commander called for volunteers to investigate. Private Reel stepped up and advanced through the hedge in the direction of the fire. In a short while the firing stopped and shortly afterward, Private Reel marched out a column of twenty-four enemy soldiers. He had forced them to abandon two machine guns and surrender. His initiative and audacity in neutralizing this group reflects great credit upon himself and the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.