Reginald R. Myers
Encyclopedia
Colonel Reginald Rodney Myers (November 26, 1919 – October 23, 2005) was a United States Marine Corps
officer who received the Medal of Honor
for his heroism in Korea
as a major — for fearlessly leading 250 United Nations
troops to victory over 4,000 of the enemy in November 1950 at the Chosin Reservoir
.
The battle occurred on November 29, 1950, as the Chinese Communists threatened to envelop the United States Tenth Army Corps forces at the Chosin Reservoir
. The success of Maj Myers' mission proved vital to the defense of Hagaru-ri. He was presented the Nation's highest military decoration by President Harry S. Truman
during ceremonies at the White House
on October 29, 1951.
in Moscow, Idaho, in June 1941 with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Mechanical Engineering. He attained the rank of cadet colonel in the Reserve Officers Training Corpsat the University. On September 1, 1941, he resigned his Army Reserve commission to accept appointment as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps
.
at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, then served as a company commander at the Marine Corps Base, San Diego, California. In June 1942, he joined the Marine detachment on board the for a year duty at sea. He was promoted to first lieutenant in October 1942, and to captain in April 1943.
, the Eastern Solomons
, and Tassafaronga
. Later, aboard the Minneapolis, he participated in the Gilbert, Marshall, Marianas, and Western Caroline Islands campaigns. Returning briefly to the United States in October 1944, he was promoted to major in January 1945.
Major Myers again returned to the Pacific area in June 1945, and served with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during the assault on Okinawa
, and in the landing on and occupation of Northern China. He returned to the United States in May 1946, and served at Mare Island, California, Norfolk, Virginia and Cherry Point, North Carolina. At Cherry Point, he served as Assistant G-4, Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
, from August 1948 until May 1950.
, September 15, 1950, he was awarded the Bronze Star
with Combat “V,” and for his heroism in helping to rescue two wounded Marines four days later he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second Bronze Star Medal. Although he emerged unwounded from the Hagaru-ri engagement which earned him the Medal of Honor
, he was wounded in action on April 25, 1951.
Assigned next to Washington, D. C., LtCol Myers served as Inspector-Instructor of the 5th Special Infantry Battalion, USMCR, from September 1952 through August 1953; and Inspector-Instructor, 13th Infantry Battalion, USMCR, from September 1953 through July 1955. Following this assignment, he entered the Senior School at Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, and completed the course in June 1956.
Lieutenant Colonel Myers remained at Quantico until April 1958, serving as Commanding Officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, and Executive Officer, Basic School, respectively. From July 1958 until August 1961, he was assigned as Assistant Naval Attache at the American Embassy in London, England. During this assignment, he was promoted to colonel in July 1960.
In September 1961, Col Myers was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, serving as Head, International Plans Section, Strategic Plans Division, until June 1963. The following month, he joined the 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa for duty as Troop Exercise Coordinator until June 1964.
Upon his return to the United States, he completed the Industrial College of the Armed Forces
in July 1965. He received his Master of Science degree in Business Administration from The George Washington University
in September 1965.
Colonel Myers was assigned duty at Headquarters Marine Corps with the G–L Division in August 1965. He served briefly as Director, Marine Corps Personnel Research and Analysis Office, then as Executive Officer to the Assistant Chief of Staff, G–L.
Colonel Myers retired from active duty in the Marine Corps on May 1, 1967. He died on October 23, 2005 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery
, Arlington, Virginia.
takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to
MAJOR REGINALD R. MYERS
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
/S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN
On August 3, 2006, in a ceremony at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., General Michael Hagee
presented the Medal of Honor flag to Myers' widow.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
officer who received the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for his heroism in Korea
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
as a major — for fearlessly leading 250 United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
troops to victory over 4,000 of the enemy in November 1950 at the Chosin Reservoir
Battle of Chosin Reservoir
The Battle of Chosin Reservoir, also known as the Chosin Reservoir Campaign or the Changjin Lake Campaign ,Official Chinese sources refer to this battle as the Second Phase Campaign Eastern Sector . The Western Sector is the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River. was a decisive battle in the Korean War...
.
The battle occurred on November 29, 1950, as the Chinese Communists threatened to envelop the United States Tenth Army Corps forces at the Chosin Reservoir
Battle of Chosin Reservoir
The Battle of Chosin Reservoir, also known as the Chosin Reservoir Campaign or the Changjin Lake Campaign ,Official Chinese sources refer to this battle as the Second Phase Campaign Eastern Sector . The Western Sector is the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River. was a decisive battle in the Korean War...
. The success of Maj Myers' mission proved vital to the defense of Hagaru-ri. He was presented the Nation's highest military decoration by President Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman was the 33rd President of the United States . As President Franklin D. Roosevelt's third vice president and the 34th Vice President of the United States , he succeeded to the presidency on April 12, 1945, when President Roosevelt died less than three months after beginning his...
during ceremonies at the White House
White House
The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the house was designed by Irish-born James Hoban, and built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the Neoclassical...
on October 29, 1951.
Early years
Reginald Rodney Myers was born on November 26, 1919 in Boise, Idaho. He received his early schooling and graduated from high school in Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from the University of IdahoUniversity of Idaho
The University of Idaho is the State of Idaho's flagship and oldest public university, located in the rural city of Moscow in Latah County in the northern portion of the state...
in Moscow, Idaho, in June 1941 with a Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
degree in Mechanical Engineering. He attained the rank of cadet colonel in the Reserve Officers Training Corpsat the University. On September 1, 1941, he resigned his Army Reserve commission to accept appointment as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
.
Marine Corps service
Second Lieutenant Myers completed Marine Officers' Basic SchoolBasic School
The Basic School is where all newly commissioned United States Marine Corps officers are sent to learn the art and science of being an Officer of Marines. TBS currently lasts 26 weeks. During those 26 weeks, the new officers are given extensive classroom, field, and practical application training...
at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, then served as a company commander at the Marine Corps Base, San Diego, California. In June 1942, he joined the Marine detachment on board the for a year duty at sea. He was promoted to first lieutenant in October 1942, and to captain in April 1943.
World War II
In July 1943, Capt Myers became Commanding Officer of the Marine detachment on board the . While on the New Orleans, he fought the Japanese at Guadalcanal, TulagiTulagi
Tulagi, less commonly Tulaghi, is a small island in the Solomon Islands, just off the south coast of Florida Island. The town of the same name on the island Tulagi, less commonly Tulaghi, is a small island (5.5 km by 1 km) in the Solomon Islands, just off the south coast of Florida...
, the Eastern Solomons
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands is a sovereign state in Oceania, east of Papua New Guinea, consisting of nearly one thousand islands. It covers a land mass of . The capital, Honiara, is located on the island of Guadalcanal...
, and Tassafaronga
Battle of Tassafaronga
The Battle of Tassafaronga, sometimes referred to as the Fourth Battle of Savo Island or, in Japanese sources, as the , was a nighttime naval battle that took place November 30, 1942 between United States Navy and Imperial Japanese Navy warships during the Guadalcanal campaign...
. Later, aboard the Minneapolis, he participated in the Gilbert, Marshall, Marianas, and Western Caroline Islands campaigns. Returning briefly to the United States in October 1944, he was promoted to major in January 1945.
Major Myers again returned to the Pacific area in June 1945, and served with the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during the assault on Okinawa
Battle of Okinawa
The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg, was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945...
, and in the landing on and occupation of Northern China. He returned to the United States in May 1946, and served at Mare Island, California, Norfolk, Virginia and Cherry Point, North Carolina. At Cherry Point, he served as Assistant G-4, Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing is the major east coast aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps and is based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina...
, from August 1948 until May 1950.
Korean War
Ordered to Korea in July 1950, Maj Myers served as Executive Officer, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. For his part in the Inchon landingBattle of Inchon
The Battle of Inchon was an amphibious invasion and battle of the Korean War that resulted in a decisive victory and strategic reversal in favor of the United Nations . The operation involved some 75,000 troops and 261 naval vessels, and led to the recapture of the South Korean capital Seoul two...
, September 15, 1950, he was awarded the Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
with Combat “V,” and for his heroism in helping to rescue two wounded Marines four days later he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second Bronze Star Medal. Although he emerged unwounded from the Hagaru-ri engagement which earned him the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
, he was wounded in action on April 25, 1951.
Post-Korea
Major Myers returned to the United States in June 1951. That August he reported to the Basic School, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, as a battalion commander. While stationed at Quantico, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in December 1951.Assigned next to Washington, D. C., LtCol Myers served as Inspector-Instructor of the 5th Special Infantry Battalion, USMCR, from September 1952 through August 1953; and Inspector-Instructor, 13th Infantry Battalion, USMCR, from September 1953 through July 1955. Following this assignment, he entered the Senior School at Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, and completed the course in June 1956.
Lieutenant Colonel Myers remained at Quantico until April 1958, serving as Commanding Officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, and Executive Officer, Basic School, respectively. From July 1958 until August 1961, he was assigned as Assistant Naval Attache at the American Embassy in London, England. During this assignment, he was promoted to colonel in July 1960.
In September 1961, Col Myers was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, serving as Head, International Plans Section, Strategic Plans Division, until June 1963. The following month, he joined the 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa for duty as Troop Exercise Coordinator until June 1964.
Upon his return to the United States, he completed the Industrial College of the Armed Forces
Industrial College of the Armed Forces
The Industrial College of the Armed Forces is a U.S. military educational institution tasked with preparing military officers and civilian government officials for leadership and executive positions in the field of national security...
in July 1965. He received his Master of Science degree in Business Administration from The George Washington University
George Washington University
The George Washington University is a private, coeducational comprehensive university located in Washington, D.C. in the United States...
in September 1965.
Colonel Myers was assigned duty at Headquarters Marine Corps with the G–L Division in August 1965. He served briefly as Director, Marine Corps Personnel Research and Analysis Office, then as Executive Officer to the Assistant Chief of Staff, G–L.
Colonel Myers retired from active duty in the Marine Corps on May 1, 1967. He died on October 23, 2005 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
, Arlington, Virginia.
Medals
The colonel's medals and decorations include: the Medal of Honor; the Legion of Merit; the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “'V” and one Gold Star in lieu of second award, the Letter of Commendation With Combat “V;" the Purple Heart; the Presidential Unit Citation with three bronze stars indicative of second through fourth awards; the American Campaign Medal; the World War II Victory Medal; the Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia clasp; the China Service Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Korean Service Medal with one silver star indicative of five bronze stars; the United Nations Service Medal; and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation.
Medal of HonorMedal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
Legion of MeritLegion of MeritThe Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
Bronze StarBronze Star MedalThe Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
with Combat "V" for Valor and one Gold Star
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V for Valor
Purple HeartPurple HeartThe Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
Presidential Unit CitationPresidential Unit Citation (US)The Presidential Unit Citation, originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and allies for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941...
with three Bronze Stars
American Campaign MedalAmerican Campaign MedalThe American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
World War II Victory Medal
Navy Occupation Service MedalNavy Occupation Service MedalThe Navy Occupation Service Medal is a decoration of the United States Navy which was issued to Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel who participated in the European and Asian occupation forces following the close of the World War II. The decoration was also bestowed to personnel who...
with “Japan” clasp
China Service MedalChina Service MedalThe China Service Medal was a military medal awarded to U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel. The medal was instituted on August 23, 1940 and featured a yellow ribbon with narrow red edge stripes...
National Defense Service MedalNational Defense Service MedalThe National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower...
Korean Service MedalKorean Service MedalThe Korean Service Medal is an award of the United States military and was created in November 1950 by executive order of President Harry Truman. The Korean Service Medal is the primary United States medal for participation in the Korean War and is awarded to any U.S. service member, who...
with one Silver Star
United Nations Service MedalUnited Nations Service MedalThe United Nations Service Medal for Korea is an international military decoration which was established by the United Nations on December 12, 1950...
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Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Medal of Honor citation
The President of the United StatesPresident of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to
MAJOR REGINALD R. MYERS
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Executive Officer of the Third Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on November 29, 1950. Assuming command of a composite unit of Army and Marine service and headquarters elements totalling approximately 250 men, during a critical stage in the vital defense of the strategically important military base at Hagaru-ri, Major Myers immediately initiated a determined and aggressive counterattack against a well-entrenched and clearly concealed enemy force numbering an estimated 4,000. Severely handicapped by a lack of trained personnel and experienced leaders in his valiant efforts to regain maximum ground prior to daylight, he persisted in constantly exposing himself to intense, accurate and sustained hostile fire in order to direct and supervise the employment of his men and to encourage and spur them on in pressing the attack. Inexorably moving forward up the steep, snow-covered slope with his depleted group in the face of apparently insurmountable odds, he concurrently directed artillery and mortar fire with superb skill and, although losing 170 of his men during fourteen hours of raging combat in sub-zero temperatures, continued to reorganize his unit and spearhead the attack which resulted in 600 enemy killed and 500 wounded. By his exceptional and valorous leadership throughout, Major Myers contributed directly to the success of his unit in restoring the perimeter. His resolute spirit of self sacrifice and unfaltering devotion to duty enhance and sustain the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
/S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN
Medal of Honor flag presentation
Michael Hagee
General Michael W. Hagee was the 33rd Commandant of the United States Marine Corps , succeeding James L. Jones on January 13, 2003. He stepped down as Commandant two months before the end of his four-year term, and was succeeded by General James T. Conway on November 13, 2006...
presented the Medal of Honor flag to Myers' widow.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients
- Battle of Chosin ReservoirBattle of Chosin ReservoirThe Battle of Chosin Reservoir, also known as the Chosin Reservoir Campaign or the Changjin Lake Campaign ,Official Chinese sources refer to this battle as the Second Phase Campaign Eastern Sector . The Western Sector is the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River. was a decisive battle in the Korean War...
- List of Korean War veterans who are recipients of the Bronze Star