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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Service) John N. Reynolds, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Commanding Officer, 1st Army Observation Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., in the region of Verdun, France, 10 October 1918. Major Reynolds proceeded over the enemy lines without benefit of protection planes on a mission of great urgency. He flew about 12 kilometers over the lines, when he was suddenly set upon by 14 hostile planes. He fought them off and succeeded in downing one of the enemy. He continued his flight with his badly damaged plane and concluded his mission.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    1st Army Observation Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 12 & October 10 & 29, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 4 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Major (Air Service) John N. Reynolds, United States Army Air Service, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Major Reynolds distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Commanding Officer, 1st Army Observation Group, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near St. Mihiel, France, 12 September 1918, and near Verdun, France, 10 October 1918, and near Grand Pre France, 29 October 1918. [A Distinguished Service Cross was subsequently awarded for the actions on October 10 and 29.]

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    Major (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    1st Army Observation Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 29, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 143 (1918)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Service) John N. Reynolds, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Army Observation Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., in the region of Grand Pre, France, 29 October 1918. While on. A mission Major Reynolds was suddenly set upon by six enemy aircraft. Although in the German territory, without protection and in danger of being cut off in the rear he entered into combat with the hostile aircraft. He succeeded in shooting down two of the enemy and dispersing the rest of the formation. With his machine severely damaged, he continued until he had completed his mission.