Woodrow W. Reeves

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Woodrow W. Reeves (34137164), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 18th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 14th Cavalry Group, 40th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 18 December 1944, in Belgium. Staff Sergeant Reeves was in command of two tanks in support of a dismounted patrol. When the patrol was attacked by a battalion of German infantrymen and was caught in the crossfire of four machine guns, he climbed upon the turret and, at great risk, effectively coordinated the fire of the weapons of both tanks. In plain view of the enemy, he manned an anti-aircraft machine gun atop his tank and inflicted heavy casualties until he was fatally wounded by hostile machine gun fire. Staff Sergeant Reeves’ valor and self-sacrificing devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplified the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 40th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.