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 James H. Reed (ASN: 37526749), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division on 20 February 1945. During an assault on an enemy stronghold on Spicheren Heights, France, Private First Class Reed moved well beyond the front lines and, by deliberately exposing himself to the hostile fire, enabled the rest of his platoon to locate the enemy guns and silence them. Private First Class Reed’s courageous action beyond the call of duty was a decisive factor in the success of his company’s attack.