The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Harry William Reed (MCSN: 0-11229), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-312), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 30 July 1951. Leading a flight of fourteen planes in a daring strike against enemy installations in the capital city of Pyongyang under extremely adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant Colonel Reed boldly directed his plane toward the target area in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire and, although the clouds and heavy rain frequently precluded visual contact, ably coordinated his squadron in a determined effort to complete the hazardous mission. When the explosion of an enemy anti-aircraft shell threw another plane directly into his flight path and caused a mid-air collision a few miles from the objective, he bravely maintained control of his crippled plane until clear of the remaining aircraft and thereby prevented further damage to his squadron. When last seen, his plane was spiraling downward and apparently out of control. By his marked courage, outstanding ability as an airman and selfless regard for the safety of his fellow pilots, Lieutenant Colonel Reed served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.