Harry Dare Reynolds, Jr.

Enlisted April 13, 1942; called to active duty following graduation from Bucknell University. Assigned to Company G, Officer Candidates’ Class, MCB Quantico and commissioned on August 22, 1942. Attended Reserve Officers’ Class at Quantico, then posted to First Separate Battalion (Reinforced) at New River, North Carolina, on November 10, 1942.

Outfit: A/1/24th Marines
Rank: First Lieutenant
MOS: 2600 – Company executive officer
Important Events: 
February 1, 1944 – wounded in action (gunshot, left lower leg) while directing the fire of a squad attacking Japanese fortifications. Evacuated to USS Doyen.

Received Silver Star Medal for actions on this date:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Harry D. Reynolds, Jr. (MCSN: 0-13194), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, on 1 February 1944. When the advance of his company was held up by a Japanese-occupied blockhouse, First Lieutenant Reynolds valiantly directed an attack upon this formidable position and, in the face of heavy hostile rifle fire, led a vigorous and swift assault, putting to rout the resisting enemy troops. Although severely wounded when the forward echelon of his unit was pinned down by machine-gun fire, he skillfully organized a defense, refusing to be evacuated until he had ensured that his men were safe from counterattack and he was ordered to the rear by his commanding officer. His brilliant leadership and indomitable fighting spirit contributed directly to the success of this important operation and reflected the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Reynolds and the United States Naval Service.

Campaign Narrative

Treated at unknown Naval hospital, Hawaiian Islands. Returned to duty at Camp Maui on April 23, 1944.

Outfit: A/1/24th Marines
Rank: First Lieutenant
MOS: 2600 – Company executive officer
Important Events: 
June 22, 1944 – wounded in action (gunshot, right shoulder, slight); not evacuated
July 6, 1944 – wounded in action (shrapnel, left chest); evacuated to unknown vessel for treatment and transport to hospital. Awarded second Silver Star Medal for actions on this date:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Harry D. Reynolds, Jr. (MCSN: 0-13194), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 6 July 1944. Boldly directing many assaults by units of his company and inspiring them by his aggressive spirit, First Lieutenant Reynolds fought in the forefront during an attack on a firmly entrenched enemy position in difficult terrain and although painfully wounded three times in this action, continued to lead his men and gallantly refused evacuation until the objective had been taken and all the other wounded had been cared for. His outstanding leadership, unselfish concern for others and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Campaign Narrative

Received treatment at Fleet Hospital #108 (Guadalcanal) and/or US Naval Hospital #10 (Aiea Heights, Hawaii). To Infantry Schools Battalion, Camp Pendleton in early 1945 for instruction as an infantry training officer. Duty at Camp Pendleton through end of war.

Transferred to First Battalion, 1st Marines for occupation duty in China.

On active duty with Marine Corps Reserves through 1964; last post as assistant director of Fourth Marine Corps Reserve District, with rank of Colonel.

Diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia in 1963. Died at US Naval Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, of a cerebral hemorrhage on June 5, 1964.