The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private James C. Reed, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 29 April 1868, while serving with Company A, 8th U.S. Cavalry, in action in Arizona Territory. Private Reed defended his position (with three others) against a party of 17 hostile Indians under heavy fire at close quarters, the entire party except himself being severely wounded.