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 Colonel (Infantry) Russell Potter Reeder, Jr. (ASN: 0-16494), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, on the morning of 7 June 1944, in France. On that date Colonel Reeder’s unit attacked enemy fortified positions approximately 500 meters southwest of ******** and captured these positions, advancing to ******** where the attack was temporarily held up by enemy forces in buildings and hedgerows in that vicinity. Colonel Reeder throughout the attack circulated amongst his men in the front lines encouraging and urging them forward, exposing himself continually to enemy small arms and shell fire. His utter disregard for his own personal safety and his exemplary bravery were largely responsible for the rapid advance of his troops. Near ****** when Colonel Reeder noticed that a group of his men were hesitant about crossing an open field on the enemy flank because of small arms fire, he walked boldly into the open field with complete disregard for his personal safety. The men immediately got up, crossed the field following Colonel Reeder and established themselves on the flank of the enemy. This was an outstanding instance of leadership under fire and was to a great extent responsible for the swift ejection of the enemy from ******. Colonel Reeder’s extraordinary coolness and personal bravery under fire when personally inciting his men to further effort were an inspiration to all who served with him and under him. His gallant leadership and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.