The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private Robert S. Reed (MCSN: 317507), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 17 June 1944. During a Japanese tank attack which took place under the cover of darkness, Private Reed accounted for four hits on four different hostile tanks with his rocket launcher and, after running out of rockets, climbed upon a fifth tank and dropped an incendiary grenade in the turret, thereby disabling the enemy vehicle. His aggressive courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.