The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Harold L. Reed (ASN: 39697178), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 2 February 1945. During mopping-up operations against a group of by-passed enemy who were harassing our troops, Private First Class Reed, a member of a reserve squad, was among the first to volunteer to aid the wounded and assist in destroying pockets of resistance. Moving under heavy mortar, machine gun, and rifle fire, he reached the side of one casualty, picked him up and carried him bodily to a point of safety. Then, while combing the area to locate sources of hostile fire, he came upon three Japanese manning a light machine gun in a tree. The only route of approach to the enemy position was along a road covered by the enemy gun, but Private First Class Reed courageously crawled to within 25 yards of the tree, and fired his rifle so effectively that with four shots he killed all three of the enemy. Following this, Private First Class Reed saved three wounded comrades from possible further injury, and aided materially in the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Reed, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.