The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William Spencer Reeder, United States Army, for gallantry in action against North Vietnamese Army forces on 14 April 1972, while serving as a helicopter pilot of the 361st Aviation Company, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, supporting the combat actions of friendly Vietnamese forces in Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam. The outnumbered ground forces were under heavy artillery fire, surrounded by anti-aircraft weapons and under attack by enemy forces. Captain Reeder took out a number of lethal guns, all while under intense fire from multiple anti-aircraft positions and small caliber weapons. After rearming and refueling, Captain Reeder’s team voluntarily returned to once again engage the enemy. In extraordinarily poor conditions of low clouds, haze, smoke and deepening darkness, his team prevented the friendly force from being overrun. Captain Reeder’s actions contributed to the escape of dozens of friendly forces and one American soldier. His extraordinary heroism and selfless sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself, the 361st Aviation Company and the United States Army.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Field Artillery)Division:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)Action Date:
October 1972 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Field Artillery) William Spencer Reeder, United States Army, for outstanding achievement in a position of leadership while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from October 1972 to March 1973. This officer performed duties dealing in highly classified material while under constant surveillance of the enemy. He generated new ideas and improvised new techniques which greatly enhanced covert operations. His outstanding performance and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Field Artillery)Division:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)Action Date:
May 9, 1972 – March 27, 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Field Artillery) William Spencer Reeder, United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States while detained as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia during the period 9 May 1972 to 27 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country and professionalism. By his unselfish devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Field Artillery)Division:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)Action Date:
May 9, 1972 – March 27, 1973
Captain (Field Artillery) William Spencer Reeder, United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from May 9, 1972 until his release on March 27, 1973.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Field Artillery)Regiment:
1st Aviation BrigadeAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Field Artillery) William Spencer Reeder, United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving as fire team leader of an AH-1G Gunship, in action against the enemy in South Vietnam in 1972. His outstanding courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Field Artillery)Regiment:
1st Aviation BrigadeAction Date:
May 9, 1972
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Field Artillery) William Spencer Reeder, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 9 May 1972, while serving as fire team leader of an AH-1G Gunship escorting an American re-supply helicopter in support of besieged Ben Het, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Reeder fearlessly employed his helicopter between the re-supply aircraft and extremely intense small arms and anti-aircraft fire. The skillful employment of the fire team enabled the re-supply aircraft to drop its load and proceed out of the loading zone. Captain Reeder gallantly employed accurate deadly rocket fire on the enemy location while his copilot/gunner placed devastating turret fire under and to the southern side of the re-supply helicopter attempting to divert the enemy’s attention. Seconds later, two anti-aircraft positions opened fire on his aircraft riddling it with hits and mortally wounding his copilot/gunner. Captain Reeder expertly guided the crippled virtually uncontrollable aircraft to a landing. His superb flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Field Artillery)Action Date:
April 28, 1993 – December 8, 1994
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel (Field Artillery) William Spencer Reeder, United States Army, for exceptionally superior service while serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff, United States Southern Command, Republic of Panama, from 28 April 1993 to 8 December 1994. Colonel Reeder’s sound judgment, superb organizational skills, and gifted leadership contributed immeasurably to the effectiveness of the Joint Staff in support of the Commander in Chief (CINC) and to the success of the Command throughout the theater. His guidance, unique interpersonal skills, and direction to the staff were the critical components needed to build a cooperative and effective interagency team to counter narco-trafficking in Central and South America. Colonel Reeder’s managerial acumen and experience were essential elements in the reorganization of the Command to more effectively execute counter-drug planning and operations, as well as other Command missions. His leadership and foresight in refining the CINC’s guidance for the execution of the Panama Canal Treaties and Headquarters relocation have ensured that the drawdown of the U.S. Military presence in Panama and subsequent transition are conducted efficiently and with negligible disruptions. In addition, Colonel Reeder’s aggressive handling of critical manpower and personnel issues have ensured the Command is well positioned to accomplish its objectives throughout this critical phase. Working under intense pressure, Colonel Reeder always remembered to take care of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Reeder culminated a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Field Artillery) William Spencer Reeder, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Reeder culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.