John M. Reid was born on May 3, 1947, to Mr. and Mrs. John Reid. His home of record is Magnolia, NJ.
He served in the US Marine Corps and attained the rank of Corporal (CPL).
Reid was killed in action on May 10, 1967. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
His Navy Cross awarded for actions during the Vietnam War citation reads:
“The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal John Michael Reid (MCSN: 2145615), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Rifle Squad Leader while serving with Company C, Battalion Landing Team 1/3, III Marine Amphibious Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 May 1967. While participating in Operation BEAVER CAGE, Corporal Reid’s platoon became heavily engaged in combat with a Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troop unit and was receiving causalities from enemy automatic weapons, small arms and mortar fire. One machine gun team was placed completely out of action by enemy mortars. Seeing that enemy fire had his platoon pinned down in exposed positions, he unhesitatingly moved across open ground to the machine gun, seized it and advanced another 20 to 30 meters. Being forced down several times during this maneuver, he reached his new position and delivered heavy volume of accurate fire on the enemy positions, temporarily halting their fire, which allowed six other members of his squad to gain a covered position. Corporal Reid continued firing the machine gun from the exposed position in the rice paddy to thwart the advance of enemy troops attempting to overrun his platoon and endanger the Company’s flank. While in his exposed position, Corporal Reid was wounded in the leg by rifle fire and as he moved forward to gain cover, he was hit again and mortally wounded. By his daring action and devotion to duty, Corporal Reid gave his life to save those of his fellow Marines, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life to his country.”
Sources: Various websites and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
