Harlan Reynolds
First Lieutenant, U.S. Army

On 12 December 1944, First Lieutenant Harlan Reynolds was serving with the 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion, Seventh U.S. Army.

On that day, 1LT Reynolds’ unit was in action against German forces at Colmar, Alsace, France. The German Nineteenth Army had been holding the area that was referred to as the Colmar Pocket since November 1944 and the Allies were trying to clear the pocket of German forces. During the early morning of 12 December, the entire front occupied by the 83rd Chemical Mortar Battalion was attacked by the enemy. German forces drove through the lines and cut the supply route behind the Battalion command post. An enemy force of 3 to 4 full companies forced its way through the over-extended infantry and drove for Ruquewihr. Almost the entire shock was taken by Company B. The security elements of both platoons engaged the enemy at approximately 0900 hours. The 2nd platoon, after very bitter fighting was finally surrounded and only a few survivors were able to infiltrate through the enemy to the town. The 1st platoon drove back the initial enemy assault and set up defenses in the houses facing the enemy's main axis of attack. The platoon fought until their ammunition was exhausted and then had to withdraw to reorganize and get a resupply of ammunition. Then, along with the survivors of the 2nd platoon, the 1st platoon counter-attacked and regained their mortar position. While the attack was continued by part of the men, the mortars were immediately set up, and heavy mortar fire was placed on the Germans. A later check revealed 150 enemy dead and wounded, which far outnumbered the entire strength of Company B. Out of the survivors of Company B, only one platoon could be mustered and this platoon remained in action during the entire period. 1LT Reynolds’ courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin, Silver and Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

First Lieutenant Harlan Reynolds (ASN: 0-1038096), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 83d Chemical Mortar Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 12 December 1944. First Lieutenant Reynolds' intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 127 (1945)

Burial

First Lieutenant Harlan Reynolds is buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in Saint-Avold, Departement de la Moselle, Lorraine, France in Plot K, Row 9, Grave 13.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56659965/harlan-reynolds