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Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 148th
Infantry, 37th Infantry Division. Place and date: Paco Railroad Station,
Manila, Philippine Islands. 9 February 1945. Entered service at: Pryor,
Okla. Birth. Muskogee, Okla. G.O. No.: 89, 19 October 1945.
Citation: He
was engaged in the attack on the Paco Railroad Station, which was strongly
defended by 300 determined enemy soldiers with machineguns and rifles,
supported by several pillboxes, 3 20mm. guns, 1 37-mm. gun and heavy mortars.
While making a frontal assault across an open field, his platoon was halted
100 yards from the station by intense enemy fire. On his own initiative
he left the platoon. accompanied by a comrade, and continued forward to
a house 60 yards from the objective. Although under constant enemy observation.
the 2 men remained in this position for an hour, firing at targets of opportunity,
killing more than 35 Japanese and wounding many more. Moving closer to
the station and discovering a group of Japanese replacements attempting
to reach pillboxes, they opened heavy fire, killed more than 40 and stopped
all subsequent attempts to man the emplacements. Enemy fire became more
intense as they advanced to within 20 yards of the station. From that point
Pfc. Reese provided effective covering fire and courageously drew enemy
fire to himself while his companion killed 7 Japanese and destroyed a 20-mm.
gun and heavy machinegun with handgrenades. With their ammunition running
low, the 2 men started to return to the American lines, alternately providing
covering fire for each other as they withdrew. During this movement, Pfc.
Reese was killed by enemy fire as he reloaded his rifle. The intrepid team,
in 21/2 hours of fierce fighting, killed more than 82 Japanese, completely
disorganized their defense and paved the way for subsequent complete defeat
of the enemy at this strong point. By his gallant determination in the
face of tremendous odds, aggressive fighting spirit, and extreme heroism
at the cost of his life, Pfc. Reese materially aided the advance of our
troops in Manila and providing a lasting inspiration to all those with
whom he served.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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