The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Joseph D. Reed (MCSN: 0-50644), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 June 1951. Observing that leading elements of the company were being subjected to withering enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire and were unable to advance during the company attack of a heavily fortified enemy hill position, Second Lieutenant Reed attempted to maneuver his supporting platoon to flank the objective. Although unable to pass around the enemy stronghold, he courageously led his platoon through the heavy enemy fire in a vicious assault on the position, routing the entrenched foe in hand-to-hand combat, and despite heavy enemy fire from an adjacent hilltop, moved among his men to organize their positions in defense of the ground. By his exceptional courage, aggressive leadership and indomitable fighting spirit, Second Lieutenant Reed served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the success achieved by the unit, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.