The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Harold P. Reynolds (MCSN: 331430), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company G, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces near the village of Sumeru on the Japanese-held island of new Britain, on 30 December 1943. When hostile forces launched an early morning assault and penetrated the defensive positions of his company, Private First Class Reynolds unhesitatingly rushed forward in a fierce, determined counterattack and, completely disregarding his own safety, killed eight of the enemy. Although seriously wounded in the action, he continued throwing hand grenades and firing his rifle at the assaulting units until he collapsed as a result of his wounds. Private First Class Reynolds’ great personal valor and indomitable fighting spirit under extremely hazardous conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.