The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private] Albert A. Reed (ASN: 39336038), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 15 February 1945, in the vicinity of Wiesviller, France. When his squad leader and members of the squad became casualties, Sergeant Reed continued the fight until his gun had a stoppage. Immediately running to another squad’s gun, he continued the fire fight. Taking the gun from the tripod, he advanced to a log emplacement, and again his weapon failed to fire. He then dashed to an automatic rifle, and fired accurately on the enemy, thus providing covering fire for the remaining riflemen to withdraw. While withdrawing himself, he assisted his wounded platoon leader. His outstanding courage and determination inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy and enabled riflemen to withdraw to safety. Sergeant Reed’s gallantry in action reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.