The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Harry D. Reynolds, Jr. (MCSN: 0-13194), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, on 1 February 1944. When the advance of his company was held up by a Japanese-occupied blockhouse, First Lieutenant Reynolds valiantly directed an attack upon this formidable position and, in the face of heavy hostile rifle fire, led a vigorous and swift assault, putting to rout the resisting enemy troops. Although severely wounded when the forward echelon of his unit was pinned down by machine-gun fire, he skillfully organized a defense, refusing to be evacuated until he had insured that his men were safe from counterattack and he was ordered to the rear by his commanding officer. His brilliant leadership and indomitable fighting spirit contributed directly to the success of this important operation and reflected the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Reynolds and the United States Naval Service.