Service number 1383118

Silver StarThe President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Louis Joseph Reed (MCSN: 1383118), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant, First Platoon, Company G, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 October 1966. During the third day of Operation KERN in Quang Nam Province, the company found itself in an extremely precarious positions. While in the assault against the Village of Ap Ba (4), the assault platoons were pinned down in an open rice paddy by intense enemy fire from three sides. The Platoon Commander was killed, and casualties were mounting in both platoons. Staff Sergeant Reed was wounded but continued to lead and direct his men against almost insurmountable odds. One of his men was seriously wounded and although weakened by his own wounds, he carried him across the open paddy to the security of the stream bank. Other wounded comrades were still in the open paddy. Disregarding the advice of the Corpsman that he should be evacuated, Staff Sergeant Reed once again returned to the rice paddy and as he was attempting to carry another wounded Marine to safety, he was mortally wounded. By his selfless and heroic actions in aiding another at the risk of his own life, Staff Sergeant Reed upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: October 22, 1966

Reed, Louis Joseph, SSgt