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 Sergeant Edward Bert Reed, Jr. (ASN: 35541758), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces near Mount Mataasna Bundec, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 27 April 1945. During an attack against a strongly-defended hill, Sergeant Reed’s squad, the forward element of Company C was suddenly fired upon by two enemy machine guns directly to the front. The two lead scouts were wounded and the company pinned down. Disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Reed crawled forward over fifty yards of fire-swept terrain and single-handedly attacked the first machine gun emplacement. Throwing a hand grenade, he killed three of the enemy gun crew and then, closing in hand-to-hand combat, killed the remaining member. The second enemy weapon, forty yards farther up the hill, then opened fire, again immobilizing the company. Sergeant Reed unhesitatingly began a flanking movement and, although wounded by sniper fire, determinedly continued on to a point close to the Japanese position. Skillfully hurling a single grenade into the emplacement, he neutralized the strongpoint killing the Japanese defenders. Then, continuing to expose himself, he went to the aid of the two wounded scouts and moved them, one by one, to safety. By his gallant courage and extraordinary heroism in single-handedly destroying two enemy emplacements and rescuing two wounded comrades at the risk of his own life, Sergeant Reed materially contributed to the successful accomplishment of his company’s mission. Sergeant Reed’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.