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MCRD Parris Island

Eastern Recruiting Region

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Silver Star pinned on Marine during boot camp reunion on Parris Island

By Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | | April 28, 2014

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After 48 years, Sgt. James A. Reeves was surprised when his buddies from boot camp arranged for him to be formally presented with the Silver Star during the morning colors ceremony April 25, 2014, on Parris Island, S.C.

After the Vietnam War, when his actions earned the prestigious award, the Marine Corps could not find Reeves, so they gave the award to his parents.

Reeves earned this award March 28, 1966, while serving with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action when, while his platoon came under heavy automatic weapons fire, he left his position of safety to maneuver across the fire-swept terrain to aid wounded Marines. While returning to inform his platoon commander of the situation, his helmet was struck by a round, knocking him violently to the ground. After quickly recovering, he continued to trek toward his command group, to which he provided information of the casualties. He then navigated back to the wounded Marines and helped move them to a helicopter landing zone so they could be evacuated.

Lt. Gen. Kenneth Glueck Jr., deputy commandant of Marine Corps combat development and integration, presented the award. 

 


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