The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John Robert Reynolds (MCSN: 2308173), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 26 August 1968, Corporal Reynolds’ platoon was occupying a patrol base in the village of La Tho Bac (3) in Quang Nam Province when the Marines suddenly became heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force. Realizing that the enemy was attempting to consolidate for an attack, Corporal Reynolds unhesitatingly left his position of relative safety and fearlessly led a fire team in an assault against the hostile force. Disregarding his own safety, he advanced across the fire-swept terrain and delivered accurate M-79 grenade launcher fire against the enemy, killing a hostile soldier who was preparing to fire on the Marine perimeter. Continuing his determined efforts, he aggressively led his men through the North Vietnamese position and was instrumental in accounting for three additional enemy soldiers confirmed killed. His heroic actions and aggressive leadership inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Reynolds upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.