*REESE, JOHN N., JR.
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.
