The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Watertender Frank Percy Reed, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity aboard a United States warship, during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island, on the night of 30 November 1942. Chief Watertender Reed volunteered to lead a hose to the most dangerous part of a fire aboard his warship in an attempt to prevent the explosion of a quantity of ammunition. Taking his station in a motor launch, he remained bravely fighting the blaze until ordered to leave when the craft in which he stood had to be jettisoned, as it too had become a mass of flames. Chief Watertender Reed’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.