The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant David F. Reid (MCSN: 0-54933), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Combat Outpost Commander of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 September 1952. An able and aggressive leader, Second Lieutenant Reid repeatedly exposed himself to hostile mortar and small arms fire to control his men and direct the fire of a friendly outpost against the enemy and, during the height of the two-hour battle for the position, led five counterassaults against an estimated hostile force of fifty men. Personally manning a flame thrower, he repelled an enemy assault on his position, inflicting an unknown number of casualties and forcing the enemy to withdraw. By his daring leadership, marked courage and unyielding devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Reid served to inspire all who observed him and was largely responsible for the successful defense of the outpost, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.