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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

William Reed — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Service Era: American Civil War
Medals Recorded: 2

William Reed

Private, U.S. Army

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American Civil War

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor 1862-1895 Army
Civil War Campaign Medal 1862–1895 Army

Ribbon Rack

Biography

William Reed volunteered for one of the most dangerous assignments of the Vicksburg campaign, joining the storming party that advanced ahead of the main assault on 22 May 1863.

Born on 21 February 1839 in Union County, Pennsylvania, Reed served as a private in Company H, 8th Missouri Infantry. At Vicksburg he was among the volunteers selected to move forward against the Confederate works under intense fire.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed): At Vicksburg on 22 May 1863, Reed displayed gallantry in the charge of the volunteer storming party.

His Medal of Honor was presented on 12 December 1895. Reed died on 30 May 1918 in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, and was buried in Riverview Cemetery.

His verified rack consists of the Medal of Honor and the Army Civil War Campaign Medal. No clasp, service star, or other ribbon device is supported.

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